| Binomial |
Saraca asoca (Roxb.) Willd.
|
| Family |
Caesalpiniaceae
|
| Tamil Name |
அசோகம் (Asogam)
|
| Habit |
Understorey small tree with compact crown
|
| Bark |
Dark coloured, shallowly fissured with purple blaze
|
| Flowers |
Borne in big dense clusters, bright orange to red, mildly fragrant |
| Fruits |
Pods large, flat, leathery, purple when mature, scimitar shaped
|
| Flowering Period |
February to March
|
| Fruiting period |
February to May
|
| Pollinators |
Bees |
| Native to Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia |
Traditionally, the plant is used to treat reproductive disorders in women. Hence this tree is also known as “friend of women”. The tree has numerous medicinal properties and some of them include, to treat acne, improves skin complexion, treats asthma, removes kidney stones, treats diabetes and piles and prevents diarrhoea. The flowers, when mixed with coconut and consumed as chutney, are said to treat mouth ulcers. The crushed flowers when mixed with water and consumed prevents internal bleeding. The bark also serves as an antidote for scorpion stings. The flower of this tree is the State flower of Odisha. The tree is highly valued for its beautiful flowers and is often found in the royal gardens and near temples. In Ramayana, the Asoka tree is mentioned in reference to the Asoka Vatika, where Hanuman first meets Sita. |
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