Scholar Tree

Binomial Alstonia scholaris (L.) R.Br.
Family Apocynaceae
Tamil Name Aezhilai Paalai (ஏழிலைப் பாலை)
Tree Medium sized, evergreen.
Bark Pale grey-brown, exuding milky latex when wounded.
Flowers Cream-coloured, fragrant, in tight clusters, peduncle pendulous.
Flowering Period March to April
Fruits Long, slender, seen in pairs.
Pollinators Bees, Butterflies
Country of origin Southern China, Tropical Asia
About the tree This herb is prescribed for relieving leprosy. The juice of the bark is used to relieve sores, tooth pains, ulcers and rheumatism and dysentery. The wood of Alstonia scholaris has been recommended for the manufacture of pencils. The latex provides a good quality chewing gum. A poultice made from the leaves has been reported as a good remedy against skin diseases. An infusion of the crushed leaves is used to clean infected wounds. It is the 100th tree planted as part of an initiative undertaken during the centenary year (2015) festivities.
Location on campus https://goo.gl/maps/DNLnwoLGVbB5Uu6NA