Ashoka

A. Basic information

Common name

Ashoka

Scientific name

Saraca asoca (Roxb.) Willd.

Marathi name

Not documented

Plant family

Fabaceae

Plant category

Trees

Other regional names (verified only)

Ashoka (literally 'sorrow-less')

Botanical classification

Not documented

Species identification number (for example a herbarium or database ID)

Not documented

B. Botanical description

Typical height and growth pattern

Small, erect evergreen tree.

Leaf shape, size and characteristics

Deep green, in dense clusters.

Flower colour

Flowers February to April.

Flowering season

Not documented

Fruit description

Not documented

Fruiting season

Not documented

Bark characteristics

Not documented

Seed description and dispersal method

Not documented

Expected lifespan

Not documented

C. Habitat and distribution

Sunlight requirement

Not documented

Water requirement

Not documented

Native distribution

Indian subcontinent, from Pakistan east to Myanmar and from Bhutan and Nepal south to Sri Lanka.

Occurrence in Maharashtra

Not documented

Suitability for Pune's climate

Not documented

Natural habitat

Seasonally dry tropical forests; a rain-forest tree in the Deccan Plateau and Western Ghats.

Soil type and drainage requirements

Not documented

Altitude range

Not documented

Drought tolerance

Not documented

Other ecological growing conditions

Not documented

D. Ecological importance

Birds, bees, butterflies and other pollinators supported

Not documented

Food and shelter for wildlife

Not documented

Soil stabilisation and erosion control

Not documented

Biodiversity and ecological restoration

Not documented

Carbon storage and climate resilience

Not documented

Local ecological balance

Not documented

Specific wildlife relationships are listed only when supported by a reliable source.

E. Plantation and care guide

Species-specific guidance is listed first. General gardening advice is shown separately at the end and is not specific to this species.

Recommended planting season

Not documented

Seed collection and propagation

Not documented

Nursery preparation

Not documented

Planting instructions

Not documented

Recommended spacing

Not documented

Watering during establishment

Not documented

Long-term water requirements

Not documented

Soil preparation

Not documented

Maintenance and pruning

Not documented

Common pests and diseases

Not documented

Expected growth rate

Not documented

Approximate time to establishment

Not documented

General gardening advice (not specific to this species)

Not documented

F. Traditional and medicinal uses

Traditional uses (claims, not proven effects)

Not documented

Medicinal properties studied in scientific literature

Not documented

Cultural and historical significance

Not documented

Other practical uses

Not documented

G. Biodiversity and wildlife associations

Birds that use the species

Not documented

Butterflies and pollinators

Not documented

Mammals and other wildlife

Not documented

Host-plant relationships

Not documented

Relationships with other native species

Not documented

H. Conservation information

IUCN Red List status

Vulnerable (VU)

Applicable Indian conservation protections

Not documented

Major threats

Not documented

Habitat loss and fragmentation risks

Not documented

Conservation recommendations

Not documented

Role in local ecosystem restoration

Not documented

“Under verification” and “Not documented” mean the information has not been checked yet. They do not mean the species is safe or threatened.

I. Image gallery

Photographs (whole plant, leaf, flower, fruit or seed, bark and habitat) will be added once authentic, correctly identified images are available.

J. References and further reading

Compiled from Wikipedia species pages, which cite Plants of the World Online (Kew) and the IUCN Red List. Not yet reviewed by a botanist. Occurrence in Pune and on Baner-Pashan Hill is under verification.

1. Wikipedia: Saraca asoca (Roxb.) Willd. (opens in a new tab) · Source of the facts on this page
2. Plants of the World Online (Kew): search (opens in a new tab) · Check accepted name and native range