Trees of Odisha: Saptaparni
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Local Name - ଛତିଆନ | (Chhatiana)
In this article
Botanical Overview :
Scientific name: Alstonia scholaris (L.)
Common name: Saptaparni (meaning seven leaves, referring to its whorled arrangement), Devil Tree, Blackboard Tree, Indian Teak, Ditabark, Milkwood Pine
Native to: Widespread across South and Southeast Asia, including India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Southern China, and throughout Malaysia and Australia
Height: A large, evergreen tree, typically growing 15–20 meters (65–130 ft) tall, with a straight trunk and a dense, dome-shaped crown.
Leaves: Leaves are distinctive because they grow in whorls of 5 to 10 (often seven, hence 'Saptaparni') at each node. They are leathery, glossy dark green above, pale or whitish-green underneath, and elliptical or oblong in shape.
Flowers in the Saptaparni Chhatiana
Type: Flowers grow in dense, terminal clusters (cymes) that are large and compound.
Size: Flowers are small, tubular, and inconspicuous individually.
Color: Greenish-white or cream-colored.
Unique features:
The seven-leaf whorl arrangement is the most defining botanical feature. The flowers bloom mostly in the cold season (autumn/winter).
Fruits in Chhatiana
Shape & size: Fruits are long, slender, paired follicles (capsules) that hang downwards in clusters. They resemble thin, green beans. Each follicle can be up to 30–60 cm (12–24 inches) long.
Color:They are green, and then turn brown upon maturity.
Seeds: When the follicles split open lengthwise, they release numerous, small, flat, hairy seeds that have a tuft of hair at each end, helping in wind dispersal.
Maturation: The long, paired follicles mature over several months.
Reaction: All parts of the tree, particularly the bark, exude a bitter, milky white latex when cut or damaged.
Dispersal: Primarily dispersed by wind due to the hairy, winged seeds.
Pollination inSaptaparni Chhatiana
Pollinators: The fragrant, night-blooming flowers primarily attract moths and other nocturnal insects.
Pollen types: Flowers are bisexual
Human Uses
Ornamental use: Planted as an avenue tree for shade and its uniform, attractive form, despite the strong fragrance of the flowers.
Traditional medicine: The bark (Ditabark) is extremely bitter and is a major ingredient in Ayurvedic and other traditional systems. It is renowned for its anti-malarial and anti-diarrheal properties and is also used as an anti-malarial (due to the alkaloid Ditamine, similar action to quinine), tonic, febrifuge (fever reducer), and to treat chronic diarrhea, dysentery, asthma, and skin diseases.
Craft use: The wood is relatively soft, lightweight, and easily worked. It is historically known as the Blackboard Tree because the inner, white wood was traditionally used to make blackboards (slates), wooden slates for children, and coffins. It is also used for light construction, carving, and pulp.
Dye / Tanning: The bark contains tannins and yields a blackish-brown dye.
Cultural & Religious Significance of Saptaparni Chhatiana
India & Sri Lanka: Alstonia scholaris (Saptaparni) holds deep cultural value in the Indian subcontinent. It is commonly planted near temples, village boundaries, roadsides, and educational institutions. The tree is associated with protection, wisdom, and spiritual calmness, and its presence is believed to purify the surroundings.
Hinduism: In Hindu tradition, Saptaparni is considered sacred and is often linked with learning and divine knowledge. The name “scholaris” reflects its association with scholars and places of education. The tree is sometimes connected to Lord Vishnu and is believed to ward off negative energies. Its leaves are occasionally used in religious rituals and offerings.
Buddhism:
In Buddhism, Alstonia scholaris is revered as one of the trees under which Lord Buddha is believed to have meditated after attaining enlightenment. It symbolizes discipline, awareness, and spiritual growth. The tree is therefore planted near monasteries and sacred sites as a reminder of peace, wisdom, and enlightenment.
Where do I find it?
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