Alstonia scholaris, commonly known as the Indian devil tree, is a species of evergreen tree belonging to the Apocynaceae family. It is native to the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and Australia. This tree can grow up to 30 meters in height and has a straight trunk with a grayish-brown bark that exfoliates in irregular patches.
The leaves of Alstonia scholaris are glossy, dark green, and arranged in whorls of 4-10. They are elliptical or lanceolate in shape, reaching a length of about 15-25 centimeters. The tree is also characterized by its fragrant flowers, which are small and white with a prominent central corona. These flowers are arranged in large, terminal clusters and emit a sweet smell during their blooming season from spring to early summer.
The fruit of Alstonia scholaris is a long, slender, and cylindrical capsule, containing numerous small seeds with tufts of silky hairs that aid in dispersal by wind. This species prefers well-drained soils, adapting to a wide range of conditions, including sandy, loamy, and clayey soils.
Alstonia scholaris has been used extensively in traditional medicine within its native range. Various parts of the tree, including the bark, leaves, and roots, are known for their medicinal properties. Extracts from this plant have been utilized for the treatment of fever, respiratory ailments, digestive disorders, skin diseases, and as a general tonic. Furthermore, the wood of Alstonia scholaris is light, durable, and often used for construction purposes, furniture making, and the manufacturing of handicrafts.
