Dear All Alstonia scholaris is known as Saptaparni or Satween because of its sort of digitate foliage - seven / eight leaves together. In some parts of south Konkan, it is also considered as ghost tree and is unospicious.
It is ecologically very important and useful indigenous tree and supports wildlife. Many Mumbaite nature lovers may remember that there was a very huge (really giant) Satween tree at Karnala sanctuary, the trunk having circumference of about 10 to 12 meters. Unfortunately the tree got burnt due to lightning and subsequently removed by the forest dept. about 12 years ago. Some old time nature lovers may have pictures of that tree and it would be interesting to recount those memories. The form of the tree and the flowers are beautiful and that is why it is being planted in many urban areas. However, it was discovered that the long pods when burst, as Madhuri has mentioned, have wind despersal seeds with hairy tentacles. These hairy seeds seem to be the 'culprits' for some humans who are allergic to them. The tree generally fruits profusely and subsequently there is profusion of hairy seeds in the surrounding region, which causes allergic reaction in the neighbourhood. That is why the removal of the trees in urban areas. However, the tree is popular and is still being planted in many urban areas. The species name 'scholaris' is derived as the wood of the tree was used to make slates for writing. Best wishes Ulhas Rane --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "indiantreepix" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.co.in/group/indiantreepix?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
