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Description
Stereospermum Colais, also known as Patala or Paatala, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Bignoniaceae family. It is native to the Indian subcontinent and can grow up to 20 meters in height. The tree has a thick, dark grey bark that peels off in flakes. It produces beautiful, trumpet-shaped flowers that are yellowish-brown in color and have a pleasant fragrance. The tree’s leaves are compound, with each leaflet being 5-12 cm long and 2-6 cm wide. Stereospermum Colais is known for its medicinal properties and is used in Ayurveda to treat various ailments.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Bignoniaceae |
| Genus | Stereospermum |
Appearance
The Stereospermum Colais tree has a tall, straight trunk with a dense, rounded crown. Its leaves are dark green and glossy, and its flowers bloom in clusters from March to May. The flowers are trumpet-shaped and have five petals, each being 3-5 cm long. The tree’s fruit is a long, narrow capsule that contains numerous seeds. The tree sheds its leaves during the winter months.
Care Guide
To care for Stereospermum Colais, you should:- Water the tree regularly during the growing season, but avoid overwatering- Fertilize the tree with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and fall- Plant the tree in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter- Provide the tree with full sun to partial shade- Grow the tree in hardiness zones 10-12
Common Pests & Diseases
Stereospermum Colais is not prone to many pests or diseases. However, it may be susceptible to:- Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes brown spots on the leaves. To prevent it, avoid overwatering and remove infected leaves.- Scale insects: These pests can cause yellowing of the leaves and a sticky residue on the tree. To control them, use an insecticidal soap or oil.- Mealybugs: These pests can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. To control them, use an insecticidal soap or oil.
Habitat
Stereospermum Colais is native to India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. It grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, riverbanks, and wastelands. The tree prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate both drought and flooding.
Question and Answer
Q: What is Stereospermum Colais used for in Ayurveda?
A: Stereospermum Colais is used to treat various ailments, including fever, inflammation, and skin disorders.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Stereospermum Colais tree?
A: You should fertilize the tree twice a year, in the spring and fall.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Stereospermum Colais?
A: The tree can grow in hardiness zones 10-12.
Q: Can Stereospermum Colais grow in full sun?
A: Yes, the tree can grow in full sun to partial shade.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants in the Bignoniaceae family:- Jacaranda mimosifolia- Tabebuia rosea- Catalpa bignonioides- Tecoma stans- Campsis radicans
References
– “Stereospermum Colais – an overview.” ScienceDirect. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/stereospermum-colais- “Stereospermum Colais.” Useful Tropical Plants. http://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Stereospermum+colais
