Devil Tree
Alstonia scholaris
Name
| Marathi: | सप्तपर्णी |
Biological Classification
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Division: | Spermatophyta |
| Sub-Division: | Angiospermae |
| Class: | Dicotyledonae |
| Sub-Class: | Gamopetalae |
| Series: | Bicarpellatae |
| Order: | Gentianales |
| Family: | Apocynaceae |
| Sub-Family: | -- |
| Genus: | Alstonia |
| Species: | scholaris |
Advantages
- It is extensively planted in gardens and along roadsides.
- The bark which is called as Dita-bark is bitter and used in malaria fever.
Interesting Facts
- In ancient times, boards of the wood of this plant were used as school slates for writing, and hences the name "scholaris".
- The tree is also called "Devil"s Tree" in many places as it is believed to be the abode of evil spirits.
- The Marathi name "Saptaparni " is because, it always has 7 leaves arising from one single point.
Description
- It is a tall evergreen tree with bitter milky juice, and branches which are arranged in whorls.
- Flowers are greenish white and can be seen in the months of September-November.
