Plant of the Week – Saraca asoca (Roxb.) Willd

Saraca asoca (Roxb.) Willd. (Ashoka tree) is a sacred, evergreen tree belonging to the family Fabaceae that is native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It is prized for its vibrant orange-yellow flowers in large bunches and beautiful foliage with new flush appearing reddish. The tree bears flat woody dehiscent pod. Ashoka trees are often planted in gardens and temples due to their aesthetic appeal and spiritual significance. It is also valued in Ayurveda for its medicinal properties, particularly in women health care. Due to its high demand, over exploitation takes place and pushes the tree to threatened category. As per the IUCN Redlist of threatened plants in India, the tree is enlisted as Vulnerable (VU) in Kerala. Green Ahalia is engaged in conservation of the species by planting more saplings in the campus. We have dedicated plots for Ashoka in the conservatory and also maintains a good stock of nursery seedlings.

For more details: greenahalia@ahhkv.org