Family: Fabaceae

A large shrub/small tree that has a spreading crown. A ‘handkerchief tree’, red saraca is prized for the way the leaves hang. Like a Victorian lady holding a handkerchief, the new growth hangs limp and is reddish/pinkish in color.

The pink or yellow fragrant flowers are born off the tunk and from within the canopy.  Flowers are produced throughout most of the year.

Known as Sita Ashok in its native land, Red saraca is sacred to Buddhists and Hindus.

Plant Uses:

• Container plant
• Edible
• Fragrant
• Hedge
• Medicinal
• Nitrogen fixer
• Ornamental
• Privacy / screening
• Specimen
• Woodworking

Plant Dangers:

• No dangers

High Risk Traits:

• Nitrogen-fixing (can alter soil chemistry)
  
• Intentionally cultivated & introduced outside native range
  
• Produces viable seed
  
• Shade-tolerant (sun to partial shade)
  
• Suited to tropical/subtropical climates (matches invasive-prone regions)

Low Risk Traits:

• No record of naturalization or weediness anywhere
  
• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• Not toxic to humans or animals (parts are edible)
  
• No evidence of prolific seed production or persistent seed bank
  
• No vegetative fragmentation (seed-only reproduction)
  
• Short seed viability
  
• No clear adaptations for wind, bird, or external animal dispersal