Saraca Indica, also known as the Ashoka tree, is a species of flowering tree in the family Caesalpinioideae. The tree is native to India and Sri Lanka. It is a large tree, growing to 20–30 m tall with a trunk up to 1.5 m in diameter. The leaves are pinnate, with 5–9 leaflets, each leaflet 10–20 cm long and 5–10 cm wide. The flowers are produced in panicles of 10–20 flowers, each flower 5–6 cm diameter with four yellow petals. The fruit is a pod 15–20 cm long and 2.5–5 cm wide, containing four to eight seeds.
The tree is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions of India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. It is also naturalized in the West Indies, where it is known as the ” Indian tulip tree”.
Benefits:
The tree has many traditional medicinal uses. The bark is used in Ayurvedic medicine as a treatment for fever, diarrhea, and dysentery. The flowers are used to make a yellow dye, which is used in traditional Indian textile printing.
The wood of the tree is used for making furniture and musical instruments.The bark is a very popular herb in Ayurveda, where it is said to be particularly useful for treating the female reproductive system.
It is strongly astringent and a uterine sedative. It is said to have a stimulating effect on uterine and ovarian tissue. It is said to be useful in the treatment of several ailments including menstrual cramps; some cases of uterine bleeding; uterine fibroids; haemorrhoids, and internal bleeding. The bark contains tannins and catechol.
How to care:
The Ashoka tree prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant and can be grown in poor-quality soils. It can be propagated from seed or cuttings.
Water requirement:
The tree needs little water once established.
Pruning:
Pruning is not necessary.
Fertilizing:
Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer once a year.
Type of Soil:
The Ashok Ulta tree grows in a variety of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
Ideal location:
The Ashok Ulta tree prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Propagation:
The Ashok Ulta tree can be propagated from seed or cuttings.Seed – if the seed is harvested when ripe and sown immediately, preferably after soaking in water for 12 hours, it will germinate within 3 weeks and will be ready to plant out within 6 – 12 months.
Pest and Disease:
The Ashok Ulta tree is resistant to most pests and diseases.
Landscape uses:
The tree is often used as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens.