Synonyms

Echites pala Buch.-Ham. ex Spreng.

Alstonia kurzii Hook.f.

 Systematic Position

Kingdom: Plantae

Phylum: Tracheophyta

Order: Gentianales

Family: Apocynaceae

Native: South and Southeast Asia

Common Names

English – Devil Tree

Malayalam – ഏഴിലംപാല

Description: Alstonia scholaris, commonly known as the Indian devil tree or dita tree, is an evergreen tree native to the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and Australia. It belongs to the family Apocynaceae and is characterized by its tall stature, glossy leaves, and white, funnel-shaped flowers. The tree holds cultural significance in various regions and is valued for its medicinal properties and timber.

Habitat: Evergreen deciduous or mixed forest, on forest margin and sometimes cultivated as ornamental pattern.

Distribution: Throughout India

Uses: Uses: Various parts of the tree, including the bark, leaves, and roots, have been used in traditional
medicine systems like Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine to treat ailments such as fever,
malaria, dysentery, diarrhea, asthma, and skin conditions. The wood of Alstonia scholaris is
lightweight and durable, making it suitable for various applications such as construction, furniture
making, and crafting musical instruments. Overall, Alstonia scholaris is valued for its medicinal
properties, timber, and ornamental qualities, making it an important tree in various aspects of human
life and culture.

Others: The wood of Alstonia scholaris is lightweight and durable, making it suitable for various applications such as construction, furniture making, and crafting musical instruments. Overall, Alstonia scholaris is valued for its medicinal properties, timber, and ornamental qualities, making it an important tree in various aspects of human life and culture.