Alstonia scholaris

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 actinophylla (Milkwood)
• Alstonia angustiloba (Pulai Tree)
• Alstonia macrophylla (Thungfaa, Devil Tree)
• Alstonia spectabilis, Alstonia linearis, Alstonia longissima (Hard Milkwood)
• Alstonia venenata (Sinnappalai, Devil Tree)