Alstonia scholaris:
Even though Cyclone Dana triggered heavy rain in Kolkata, it did bring relief to those with allergies and asthma, as the heavy showers led to chhatim trees (Alstonia scholaris) shedding flowers that have a strong fragrance.
- Alstonia scholaris, commonly called blackboard tree, scholar tree, milkwood, or devil’s tree in English, is an evergreen tropical tree in the dogbane family (Apocynaceae).
- It is called ‘Saptaparna’ in India. It has been cited in the Charaka and Sushrutha Samhithas.
- This tree is widespread across the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and southern China, thriving in tropical and subtropical climates.
- It grows to a height of 10–20 meters, sometimes reaching up to 40 meters.
- It has dark grey bark and a crown of simple, whorled leaves arranged in clusters of seven, giving rise to the name “saptaparni” (meaning “seven leaves”).
- Flowers: Small, fragrant, and greenish-white flowers bloom in clusters during late autumn and early winter.
- The bark, leaves, and other parts of Alstonia scholaris have been used in traditional medicine for treating respiratory conditions, fever, skin disorders, and digestive issues.
- The soft, lightweight wood of the blackboard tree was historically used for making writing slates and blackboards, which is how it got the common name “blackboard tree.”
- IUCN status: Least Concern
