Woody > Saraca > Saraca asoca > Saraca asoca
Saraca asoca
Ashoka tree
Origin: Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka.
Mike's
Opinion
"
The Ashoka tree’s cultural importance, attractive flowers and evergreen nature contribute to its popularity in various regions where it is cultivated. It is culturally significant in Hinduism, and is associated with love and fertility. It is often planted near temples and is considered sacred.
Michael Pascoe, NDP., ODH., CLT., MSc. (Plant Conservation)
"
| Family |
| Fabaceae |
| Genus |
| Saraca |
| Species |
| asoca |
| Category |
| Woody |
| Type |
| Tree (deciduous) |
| USDA Hardiness Zone |
| 10 - 11 |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone |
| Greater than 9a |
| RHS Hardiness Zone |
| H1c - H2 |
| Temperature (°C) |
| 20 - 30 |
| Temperature (°F) |
| 68 - 86 |
| Height |
| 20 m |
| Spread |
| 20 m |
Photographs
Cultivars
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Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
| General Description |
| The name “Ashoka” is derived from Sanskrit word meaning “without sorrow” or “no grief”, reflecting the tree’s association with joy and happiness. The Ashoka tree is also historically significant, as it is said to have been planted by Queen Ashoka, the wife of emperor Ashoka, in the Indian epic Ramayana. |
| Cultivation |
| Well-draining soil is crucial for Ashoka cultivation. Sandy loam or loamy soil with organic matter is ideal. |
| Shape |
| Broad and dense crown. |
| Growth |
| Medium |
| ID Characteristic |
| Bark on old stems is dark green in colour, often marked by bluish and ash white patches of lichen. |
| Pests |
| No serious pest or disease is observed in this crop. |
| Bark/Stem Description |
| Stem bark of Ashoka tree is strongly astringent and acts as a uterine sedative, uterine tonic, and styptic, having a stimulating effect on endometrial and ovarian tissue. |
| Flower/Leaf Bud Description |
| The leaf bud of the Ashoka tree is typically small. Pointed structures that develop at the nodes of branches. |
| Leaf Description |
| The leaf of the Ashoka tree is compound with multiple leaflets arranged along a central stem. |
| Flower Description |
| Flowers are orange to orange-yellow in colour. The flowers are arranged in branched inflorescences, forming dense clusters. |
| Fruit Description |
| Fruit is four to eight seeded, flat and black coloured. The elongated seed pods develop after the flowers have been pollinated. |
| Propagation |
| Mature seeds are collected from 5-6-year-old plants in December to January. |
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