KOCHI: In the plant kingdom some plants are respected and loved while some others are viewed with fear as they are suspected to bring bad luck. Alstonia is one plant believed to be an abode of devil, while Dillenia is supposed to attract different kinds of serpents and Saraca to bring sorrow when planted in your house. It is up to you to decide whether to believe in such things, but I know a few golden projects or hotels where these plants are incorporated at prominent locations without any adverse effect.
Alstonia scholaris, commonly called ezhilampala, is a beautiful tree normally associated with Kerala temples and sarpakkavu. The seven cluster pattern of leaf orientation is beautiful and erect and the fashionably branched whitish grey stem makes its presence felt in the tree. Alstonia flowers are profuse in early winter (small white clusters) and are heavily fragrant. The presence of the tree can be detected at a long distance and one tree is enough to spread fragrance in half a square kilometre.
Alstonia can be planted alone as a good tree feature - it is totally problem free and needs no effort on its maintenance except in the initial phase of planting. It is suitable in wet and dry places, but growth is faster in sandy, wet places. In Ayurveda this plant is used to cure skin diseases. No other plant can match its majestic beauty when grown to over 50 ft without any adjacent plants. Dillenia pentagyna, commonly known as nagapushpa is considered one of forbidden plants due to the shape and peculiar fragrance of its flowers. This tree usually grows erect with a single main brownish stem with multi-lateral branching. The tree is cauliflorous and the fruit are as big as cannon balls.
The prominent flowers are seen in the tree almost all seasons. It has one disadvantage - at least two or three times a year it sheds its leaves. During this time clearing the leaves is a menace and the tree stands bare for a few days. Dillenia is an almost maintenance-free tree that does well in dry and wet seasons.
Due to its great looks this tree can be planted in prominent locations like near the main gate or associated with some other features (especially murals).
Saraca indica is yet another plant that has somehow found a place in our old houses. Yet it is considered a temple tree. Saraca is good as a shade and avenue tree and the deep orange flowers are very attractive.
These trees have a dense canopy that make them a favoured resting and nesting place for birds. Saraca can be line planted along avenues at a distance of 20 ft between plants.
As the rate of growth is low and the maximum height is around 30 ft it is ideal for housing colonies.
subramanian@epmltd.com
M.Subramanian
(The author is a landscape artist)
