Ardu leaves (Ailanthus excelsa Roxb)

Local name: Ardu

Ailanthus excelsa Roxb belongs to the genus Ailanthus,  in  which  two  other  species A.  grandis and A. grandulosa are also found in India. All these species grow into enormous trees and a full grown tree gives 6-7 quintals of edible leaves twice a year.

Nutritive value

Crude protein and total digestible nutrients contents are 19 and 64%, respectively. Acid detergent fibre and neutral detergent fibre are 42 and 48%, respectively. Ardu leaves regarded as a good fodder by farmers. Mature leaves highly palatable and nutritious, usually fed to sheep and goats. Adult animals can be maintained on ardu leaves.