What is Alstonia scholaris?

About Alstonia scholaris:

• 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. 
• Distribution: This tree is widespread across the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and southern China, thriving in tropical and subtropical climates.
• Features:
  • It grows to a height of10–20 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.
• Uses:
  • 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

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