Family: Fabaceae
A small flowering tree.
Native to the forests of South East Asia, ashoka thrives in shady areas with moist soil. A member of the subfamily Caesalpinioideae (the pea family), Saraca indica is also nitrogen-fixing. The first specimen was imported to Hawaiʻi by Dr. Hillebrand.
Green leaves are pinnately compound with 6 to 12 leaflets. New growth is brightly colored and hangs limply- a growth form nicknamed ‘handkerchief.’ It blooms all year long, but winter/spring are the best times for abundant flowers. Petals are absent. Instead, a brightly colored calex and showy sepals put on a magnificent display of orange and red. Flowers are born directly off the trunk and branches. They emit an intoxicating scent at night.
The tree is considered to be very spiritual and is often planted around Buddhist and Hindu temples. It is said that Buddha was born under this attractive tree. The common name, Asoka, means ‘sorrowless’ or ‘remover of sorrow’ in Sanskrit. The ashoka tree is a symbol of love. Besides spiritual uses, the ashoka tree is vital in Ayurvedic medicine.
Plant Uses:
- Container plant
- Cultural significance
- Edible
- Fragrant
- Hedge
- Lei flower
- Medicinal
- Nitrogen fixer
- Ornamental
- Privacy / screening
- Shade
- Specimen
Plant Dangers:
- No dangers
