The leaves used as wrappers for bidis are obtained from which one of the following ?

The leaves used as wrappers for bidis are obtained from the Tendu tree (Diospyros melanoxylon). Tendu leaves are considered the most suitable wrapper for tobacco due to their large size, flexibility, and leathery texture, which allows them to be rolled easily without cracking [t1, t5]. They possess an agreeable flavor that complements tobacco without overpowering it [t1, t5]. Major production occurs in the dry deciduous forests of central India, particularly in states like Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha [c1, t4]. While other leaves such as kachnar (Bauhinia racemosa), Butea monosperma, and Shorea robusta are occasionally used, the workability and quality of Tendu leaves remain unmatched in the bidi industry [c2, t1, t2]. Consequently, Tendu is a significant non-timber forest product (NTFP) that supports the livelihoods of millions of forest dwellers [t4, t6].

Sources

1. [1] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 5: Natural Vegetation and National Parks > 3. Tendu > p. 25
2. [2] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 11: Industries > COTTAGE INDUSTRIES > p. 64
3. [3] https://webserve.ignfa.gov.in/document/biodiversity-cell-ntfp-related-issues15.pdf
4. [4] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3357852/