Asoka Tree. Sorrow-less Tree
Saraca asoca

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

Saraca asoca is an evergreen Tree growing to 9 m (29ft) by 9 m (29ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 9

Where it is found

Lowland forests at elevations up to 500 metres.

E. Asia - India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar.

Conservation Status: Status: Vulnerable B1+2c

Countries/locations it is found in

Andamans, Asia, Bangladesh, Fiji, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, Pacific, Pakistan, SE Asia, Sri Lanka,

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 3

The following uses are listed for S. Indica. It is quite likely that they apply here, either instead of or as well as under S. Indica. The bark is a very popular herb in Ayurveda, where it is said to be particularly useful for treating the female reproductive system. It is strongly astringent and a uterine sedative. It is said to have a stimulating effect on uterine and ovarian tissue. It is said to be useful in the treatment of several ailments including menstrual cramps; some cases of uterine bleeding; uterine fibroids; haemorrhoids, and internal bleeding. The bark contains tannins and catechol.

Other

Rating: 3

Prized for its beautiful foliage and fragrant flowers. The ashoka tree is considered sacred throughout the Indian subcontinent, especially in India, Nepal and Sri Lanka. This tree has many folklorical, religious and literary associations in the region. Nitrogen Fiver. Fodder: Pod.

Fodder: Food given to the animals (including plants cut and carried to them) rather than forage for themselves.

Agroforestry Services: Nitrogen: Plants that contribute to nitrogen fixation include the legume family – Fabaceae.

Fodder: Pod: Fodder plants with pods.

Management: Standard: Plants grow to their standard height. Harvest fruit, seeds, or other products. Non-Destructive management systems.

Regional Crop: These crops have been domesticated and cultivated regionally but have not been adopted elsewhere and are typically not traded globally, Examples in this broad category include perennial cottons and many nuts and staple fruits.

Agroforestry Services: Nitrogen: Plants that contribute to nitrogen fixation include the legume family – Fabaceae.

Fodder: Pod: Fodder plants with pods.

Management: Standard: Plants grow to their standard height. Harvest fruit, seeds, or other products. Non-Destructive management systems.

Regional Crop: These crops have been domesticated and cultivated regionally but have not been adopted elsewhere and are typically not traded globally, Examples in this broad category include perennial cottons and many nuts and staple fruits.

Carbon Farming: Plants that can be a critical part of the solution to climate problems. The Carbon Farming Solution - Eric Toensmeier.

How it is grown

Humid Tropics. A rain-forest tree. Understorey tree along stream in evergreen to semi-evergreen forests up to 600 m.

Propagating it: Seed

Best place to grow:

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 10-12

Growth: Medium

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Assamese: Ashok-goch, Ashok, Ahok. English: Ashok tree, Ashokam. Gujarati: Ashopalava. Hindi: Sita Ashok, Ashok. Kannada: Achenge. Karbi. Mir krem. Malayalam: Hemapushpam, Ashokam. Marathi: Jasundi. Others: Sita Ashok, Sorrowless Tree. Tamil: Asogam, Ashoka Tree. Telugu: Asokamu.

Synonyms

Jonesia asoca Roxb.