White Asoka (Saraca Asoca)

White Asoka (Scientific - Saraca Asoca) is a medium sized perennial, evergreen tree valued for its ornamental flowers and medicinal values,Which grows to a height of 7-10 m, Leaves are 15-20 cm long, corky at the base. The bark of the tree is rough and uneven, dark brown or grey or almost black with warty surface.  This tree bears fragrant flowers in paniculate inflorescence from December end to May, with peak flowering during February–March. The fruits attain its maturity during last week of May–July. The stigma was receptive at the time of anthesis and continued for 24 h. The tree produces bright colour attractive flowers, which changed from yellow/light orange to scarlet/red from the inception of buds to wilting.

White Asoka is one of the most important sacred trees in India, both among Hindus and Buddhists, The handsome flowers being commonly used as temple decorations. The tree is commonly grown as an ornamental.

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