Botanical Name: Saraca indica

Family: Fabaceae

Sanskrit name: Ashoka

English name: Sorrowless tree

Hindi name: Sita Ashoka

Kannada name: Seeta Ashoka

Synonyms in Sanskrit : Tamraparni (having coppery red tender leaves), streepriya(that which likes to be surrounded by a female or which is used in female related disorders), Madhupushpa ( flowers have abundant nectar), Pindapushpa(globose inflorescence),Gandhapushpa(aromatic flowers)

Habit: Tree

Habitat: Evergreen forests

Conservation Status: Vulnerable

Plant Description:

It is a handsome, small, erect evergreen tree grows upto a height of 5m tall, with deep green leaves growing in dense cluster. The tender leaves are copper red in color. Flowering season is around February to April. The flowers bloom in heavy, in bright orange-yellow in colour, turning red before wilting. Fruit is a pod measures around 15 -20cm long containing 4- 8 seeds.

Distribution: South East Asia

Part used: Bark, seeds, flowers.

Medicinal uses: Improves complexion. Used in excess menstruation, excessive thirst, burning sensation, ascites, worm infestation, poisoning

Propagation through: Seed