Ashoka tree

The Ashoka tree is a flowering tree considered sacred throughout India and Sri Lanka where it is found. It is prized for its beautiful foliage and flowers. The Lord Buddha was born under this tree in Lumbini. Also Lord Mahavira renounced the world under the Ashoka tree in Vaishali. The Hindus regard it as sacred, being dedicated to Kama Deva, God of Love. The tree gets a mention in the Ramayana as the Ashoka Vatika (garden of Ashoka trees) where Hanuman first meets Sita.

The botanical name for the Ashoka Tree is Saraca Indica or Jonesia Ashok. It belongs to the Caesalpaeniaceae family and is a very handsome, small, erect evergreen tree, with deep green foliage. Its flowers are very fragrant and are bright orange-yellow in color and later turn red. Found in the central and eastern Himalayas as well as on the west coast of Bombay, its flowering season is around April and May.

Other names for the Ashoka Tree include: Anganapriya, Asogam, Asokada, Ashopalava, Asok, Asoka, Asoka Tree, Asupala, Gandapushpa, Kankelli, Kenkalimara, Thawgabo, Vand ichitrah.