Arjun tree is a large deciduous tree that can grow up to 30 m in height. It has a wide, spreading crown and a trunk up to 2 m in diameter. The bark is dark brown to black in colour and is smooth or finely fissured. The leaves are simple, alternate and oblong-lanceolate in shape. They are 10-20 cm long and 2-6 cm wide. The flowers are small, white or yellowish-white in colour and borne in axillary or terminal panicles. The fruits are oval or oblong in shape, 3-5 cm long and 2-3 cm wide. They are yellow or greenish-yellow in colour and have a hard, woody endocarp.
How to care:
Arjun tree needs full sun and well-drained soil for optimal growth. It is tolerant of drought and can grow in poor quality soils. However, it does not tolerate waterlogging. The tree should be given a deep watering at least once a week during the summer months. It should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. The tree should be pruned regularly to maintain its shape and size.
Water requirement:
The tree should be given a deep watering at least once a week during the summer months.
Fertilizer requirement:
It should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Type of Soil:
The tree grows best in deep, well-drained soils. It is tolerant of drought and can grow in poor quality soils. However, it does not tolerate waterlogging.
Propagation:
Arjun tree can be propagated from seed or from cuttings. Terminalia arjuna can be propagated by seed, and also by root-suckers, stumps and air-layering. Average 1000 seed weight is 1408 g.Natural regeneration rarely occurs in semi-arid habitats due to lack of sufficient moisture. Seeds germinate early in the rainy season. Sun-exposed seeds germinate less-readily. Seeds are soaked in hot water for 1 minute and left in cold water for 48 hours before sowing. Direct sown plants tolerate mid-season drought better than nursery seedlings, although irrigation is needed for prolonged periods of drought. Seed germination usually lasts between 50–75 days and the germination rate is 5–50%. Nursery raised seedlings transplant well. Young seedlings do not tolerate drought and frost well, and prefer full sunlight provided the ground is moist.
Pests and diseases:
The tree is susceptible to powdery mildew, leaf spot and root rot.
Landscape uses:
Arjun tree is often planted as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens. It is also used for shade and windbreaks.