As an interesting aside, a related tree, Rauvolfia samarensis, was introduced into Southern California, USA, erroneously as Alstonia scholaris, circa 1900. Despite being native to The Phillipines, the "common" names "Indian Devil Tree" and "Indian Devil Pepper" stuck with this tree in the nursery trade. Unfortunately, religious superstitions in the US, especially with regards to the word "devil" in the name, have done severe harm to the ability of this quality tree to gain a wider, deserved use in California and Florida (USA) landscapes.
Regards-- Ken Greby Palmetto Bay, Florida USA --- On Wed, 11/12/08, J.M. Garg <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: From: J.M. Garg <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [indiantreepix:5848] Re: Query on Alstonia scholaris (Devil's tree) To: "Sanjeev Saikia" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Cc: [email protected] Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2008, 7:55 AM Here I am quoting from a link: http://www.gurjari.net/ico/Mystica/html/scared_trees.htm "There are different beliefs associated with trees. It is believed that during the Chaturmasya, the gods rest in trees and plants. Therefore if trees are worshipped and boons asked for during this time, the gods are said to be generous. Kalpavriksha, a mythological tree mentioned in the Puranas, is believed to be a wish-granting tree. The spirits that live in certain trees like the jackfruit are believed to wander from their arboreal homes at night. For this reason, people avoid certain trees after dark (see Popular Superstitions) However not all trees are considered auspicious. The tamarind (Tamarindus indica) is one such tree that has no place in ceremonies, since the sourness of its fruit is not appropriate to the auspicious spirit of such events. The chaitan or Devil's Tree (Alstonia scholaris) is believed to be the home of the devil." Quoting from another link: http://www.unexplained-mysteries.com/forum/lofiversion/index.php/t105673.html "Like the Portuguese BRUXSA, YAKSHI also targets lonely and lost travelers at night. Palm trees are said to be her abode. There are several folklores on YAKSHI. The modus operandi employed by them to lure the victims is by and large the same. During nighttime the YAKSHI assumes the form of a beautiful woman and waits for her victim. When a potential prey is spotted, she approaches him and asks for little 'lime' that is used for chewing along with betel leaf. If the victim relents he would be enchanted by the charm of the YAKSHI and follow her for carnal enjoyment. The charm would disappear soon and what appeared as a palace would transform back into the unassuming crown of a palm tree and the beautiful woman the dreaded YAKSHI. The next day what the travelers would see are the hair and nails at the bottom of the Palm tree. It is also said that whenever a YAKSHI appears there would be fragrance of jasmine or Pala (Alstonia scholaris). Iron is a potent repellent for YAKSHI." On Wed, Nov 12, 2008 at 4:43 PM, Sanjeev Saikia <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Hi, I have an Alstonia scholaris in front of my house. Out of curiosity I wanted to know if someone has any idea what the cultural roots of the Alstonia scholaris tree being called 'Devil's tree' is? It is also called a Yakshi tree etc. why so much association with the supernatural? Any information on this? I know it is also called the scholar's tree because its wood is used to make scholarly furniture like reading tables etc. Regards, Sanjeev Get 5 GB of storage with Windows Live Hotmail. Sign up today. For learning about our trees & plants, please visit/ join Google e-group (Indiantreepix) http://groups.google.co.in/group/indiantreepix?hl=en --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ 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 -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
