Alstonia scholaris (L.) R.Br.

Scientific Name: Alstonia scholaris (L.) R.Br.

Family: Apocynaceae

Synonym: Alstonia kurzii Hook.f., Echites scholaris L.

Vernacular name: Daivappala, Ezhilampala, Ezhilamppala, Mangalappapala, Yekshippala

Habit: Tree

Habitat: Moist deciduous forests and sacred groves, also in the plains

Distribution: South and South East Asia to Australia

Flowering and Fruiting: October-February

Key identification features: Large trees; bark surface grey-brown, irregularly cracked. Leaves simple, in whorls, obovate, obovate-oblong. Flower bisexual, greenish-white in terminal umbellate cymes. Corolla salver shaped, lobes 5, obovate to orbicular, creamy yellow or white. Stamens 5, included. Fruit of two linear, narrow, pendulous follicular mericarps, green; seeds, flat, with tufts of hairs at both ends.

 

Tribal Consumers: Adiya

Uses: In traditional medicine, its bark and leaves are utilized for treating ailments such as fever, cough, and digestive disorders.