Alstonia scholaris (Blackboard Tree)

Alstonia scholaris (Blackboard Tree) green plant with many layered leaves in a natural tree structure
Alstonia scholaris (Blackboard Tree) with dense layers of oval green leaves growing in a tall structure

Botanical name: Alstonia scholaris

Common names: Blackboard Tree, Indian Devil Tree, Sapthaparni, Ditabark, Milkwood Pine, White Cheesewood

Family: Apocynaceae

Origin: Southeastern Asia

USDA Plant Hardiness Map

USDA Zone: 9-10

Large tree taller than 20 ftSmall tree 10-20 ftPlant form: Large or medium tree
Plant mature sizeMature height: 20 ft or more
Full sunSemi-shadeSun exposure: Full sun or bright light indoor; semi-shade
Subtropical plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short timeCold tolerance: Tolerates light freezing to about 30°F for short periods (mature plants). Young plants must be protected.
Watering: Regular. Let topsoil dry slightlyWatering: Regular
White, off-white flowersFlower color: White and off-white
Suitable forSuitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; large gardens
Toxic or PoisonousIrritating or toxic: Toxic plant/plant part
Fragrant plantFragrance: Fragrant; perfume plant
Plant attracts butterflies, hummingbirdsWildlife: Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds
Ethnomedical plant. Plants marked as ethnomedical and/or described as medicinal, are not offered as medicine but rather as ornamentals or plant collectibles. Ethnomedical statements / products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We urge all customers to consult a physician before using any supplements, herbals or medicines advertised here or elsewhere.Ethnomedical: Ethnomedical plant, traditionally used in folk or indigenous medicine

This fascinating rare plant with white, strongly perfumed flowers is valued as a fast growing, impressive ornamental shade tree.

Popularly known as Devil Tree, as plant is believed to the devil's abode - probably due to the intoxicating fragrance emitted by flowering trees, especially at night.

The tree is of great cultural significance in the intellectual circle, as traditionally its leaves were awarded to scholars and teachers during convocation ceremonies by the Visva Bharati University (can't think of a better name than Alstonia scholaris!). This tradition was started by Rabindranath Tagore.

See Article about Alstonia.

Similar plants: Alstonia scholaris (Blackboard Tree)


Image gallery: 5 images
Alstonia scholaris (Blackboard Tree) with green leaves and a tall brown trunk tree view
Alstonia scholaris (Blackboard Tree) with tall trunk reaching toward sky amid canopy foliage
Alstonia scholaris (Blackboard Tree) green leaves arranged in a whorl on a slender woody branch
Alstonia scholaris (Blackboard Tree) with distinctive whorled green leaves attached to sturdy upright wooden stems
Alstonia scholaris (Blackboard Tree) with green leaves on branches, a natural tree plant
Alstonia scholaris (Blackboard Tree) branches with long green leaves spreading from the central woody stem.
Alstonia scholaris (Blackboard Tree) with small cream white flower cluster in a close up.
Alstonia scholaris (Blackboard Tree) showing tiny star shaped flower cluster with soft cream white petals.
Alstonia scholaris (Blackboard Tree) with whorled green leaves, forming a symmetrical woody plant structure.
Alstonia scholaris (Blackboard Tree) with distinctive whorled foliage radiating from branches in a layered pattern.


Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/alstonia_scholaris.htm
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