Alstonia Scholaris, Dita Tree, Saptaparni - Plant

Alstonia scholaris, commonly known as the dita tree, is an evergreen that may grow up to 100 feet tall.
Botanical name of this plant is Alstonia scholaris. Generic name came after botanist, Prof. Alston of Edinburgh. Species name scholaris refers to the fact that the timber of this tree has traditionally been used to make wooden slates for school children. It has rough, grey bark and large leaves that grow in clusters of seven. The flowers are small and greenish-yellow in color. The fruits are thin pods that can grow up to 20 inches long. The sap of the tree is sticky and bitter.

Plant Specifications

• Plant Height: 31 inch (79 cm)
• Plant Spread: 8 inch (20 cm)

*above specification are indicative only. actual dimensions may vary by +-10%

• Common Name: Dita tree, devil tree.
• Maximum Reachable Height: 100 feet.
• Flower Colour: The fragnant flowers are greenish white
• Bloom Time: Late autumn to Early winter
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Planting and care

It grows better under moist, warm climate but cannot stand water logging. Recommended for planting in parks, gardens and inside lawns. Suitable for avenue planting.

Alstonia Scholaris care

It has been extensively planted in India. Also seems to grow well in hot dry regions.

• Sunlight: Full sun.
• Watering: Keep the soil moist but not logged.
• Soil: Fertile, moist, but well-drained soil.
• Temperature: Annual temperature in the range 12 to 32 degrees C.
• Fertilizer: Apply an organic fertilizer of FYM.

Alstonia Scholaris special feature
In Ayurveda it is used as a bitter and as an astringent herb for treating skin disorders, malarial fever, urticaria, chronic dysentery, diarrhea, in snake bite and for upper purification process of Panchakarma .
Alstonia Scholaris uses

Ornamental Use:
It is used as the ornamental plant
Medicinal Use:

It is used to treat bowel complaints, abdominal pains, fevers and irregular menstruation, and has proved a valuable remedy for chronic diarrhea and the advanced stages of dysentery
A decoction is applied as a wash for skin diseases, and as a gargle
Note: The following information is general guidelines
Be sure to ask your healthcare provider for guidelines

Culinary Use

The latex provides a good quality chewing gum
It is usually used in making packing boxes, blackboards etc