Blackboard Tree
Alstonia scholaris (L.) R. Br.
Location
Administrative Block 1
Family
Apocynaceae
Common names
Blackboard Tree, Indian Devil Tree, Scholar Tree, Shaitan Wood, Hale (ಹಳೆ ಮರ in Kannada), Milkwood, Devil's Tree, Saptaparni (Sanskrit)
Native range
South and Southeast Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, and parts of China
Habitat
Commonly found in tropical and subtropical forests, plains, and along roadsides. It is often planted in urban landscapes, gardens, and along avenues for shade and ornamental purposes. The species thrives in both moist and dry deciduous forest regions.
Flowering
September – November
Fruiting
November – February
Conservation status
Least Concern (LC)
About this plant
Alstonia scholaris has whorled leaves, usually in groups of 4–7, which are leathery, glossy, and obovate to elliptic in shape. The bark is greyish and rough and exudes a milky latex when cut. Flowers are small, greenish-white, tubular, fragrant, and borne in dense clusters. Fruits consist of slender, cylindrical follicles that split open to release numerous seeds with tufted silky hairs, aiding wind dispersal.
Uses
Traditionally valued in Ayurvedic and folk medicine. The bark is used to treat respiratory ailments, malaria, diarrhoea, and fever and is also applied as a tonic and anti-inflammatory agent. The tree is known as the “scholar tree” because its softwood was historically used to make blackboards and writing slates in schools. The timber is light and not durable but is used for packing cases, match splints, and pulpwood.
Growing conditions
Prefers full sunlight and well-drained soils. Adaptable to a wide range of soil types, including lateritic and sandy loams. Tolerant of drought and air pollution, making it suitable for urban environments. Grows best in tropical and subtropical climates
Habit
Fast-growing evergreen tree with a tall, straight trunk and a dense, umbrella-shaped crown. It generally grows to a height of 12–25 m and may reach up to 40 m under favourable forest conditions.