Contents
Description
Saraca Indica, also known as the Ashoka tree, is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree that is native to the Indian subcontinent. It is a prized ornamental and medicinal plant in India and Southeast Asia. The tree is characterized by its beautiful, fragrant, and bright orange-yellow flowers that bloom in clusters. The tree’s bark is smooth, dark grey, and fissured. The leaves are large, leathery, and dark green. The fruits are flat and contain several seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Caesalpiniaceae |
| Genus | Saraca |
Appearance
The Saraca Indica tree can grow up to 10 to 12 meters tall. Its crown is wide and spreading. The bark of the tree is smooth, dark grey, and fissured. It sheds its bark in irregular patches. The leaves of the tree are large, leathery, and dark green. They are arranged alternately on the stem. The flowers of the tree are the most attractive feature. They are bright orange-yellow and bloom in dense clusters. The fruits of the tree are flat and contain several seeds.
Care Guide
Saraca Indica is a low-maintenance plant that requires moderate care. Here are some tips for caring for your Saraca Indica tree:
- Water: Water your tree regularly, especially during its growing season. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize your tree with a balanced fertilizer once every 2-3 months during the growing season.
- Soil: Saraca Indica prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The tree prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Saraca Indica grows best in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Saraca Indica tree is relatively pest and disease resistant. However, here are some pests and diseases that may affect your plant:
- Aphids: These small insects feed on the sap of the tree and can cause the leaves to curl and turn yellow. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap to control aphids.
- Spider Mites: These tiny insects can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap to control spider mites.
- Leaf Spot: This fungal disease causes brown spots to form on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and apply a fungicide to control leaf spot.
Habitat
Saraca Indica is native to the Indian subcontinent, where it grows in a variety of habitats, including dry deciduous forests, moist deciduous forests, and scrublands. The tree is also found in Southeast Asia, where it is grown as an ornamental plant.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Saraca Indica a medicinal plant?
A: Yes, the plant has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including diarrhea, dysentery, and skin diseases.
Q: Can Saraca Indica be grown indoors?
A: No, the tree requires full sun to grow and cannot be grown indoors.
Q: How long does it take for Saraca Indica to bloom?
A: The tree usually blooms in the spring, but the exact timing can vary depending on the climate and growing conditions.
Q: Can Saraca Indica be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, the tree can be propagated from stem cuttings taken in the spring or early summer.
Related Plants
- Saraca asoca
- Saraca declinata
- Saraca thaipingensis
- Saraca dives
References
- Flowers of India. (n.d.). Saraca Indica. Retrieved from https://www.flowersofindia.net/catalog/slides/Ashoka%20Tree.html
- Gardening Know How. (2021). Ashoka Tree Care: How To Grow An Ashoka Tree. Retrieved from https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/ashoka-tree/ashoka-tree-care.htm
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. (2021). Saraca Indica. Retrieved from https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:500172-1
