The Real 'Ashoka' Tree

Saraca asoca - The real Ashoka

Ashoka tree is  reputed for its medicinal values in Ayurveda. Preparations such as ‘ashokarishta’ prepared mainly from the bark of this tree is considered as the panacea for urino-genital disorders.  Besides medicinal importance, this tree also has religious and cultural significance. This tree provided shade and shelter to Sita while she was in the captivity of Ravana. This tree which is very attractive while in bloom owing to its crimson-red bunch of flowers  is also considered as the symbol of chasity and worshipped by women in many parts of India.

            Botanically, Ashoka is called Saraca asoca  and it belongs to the family Fabaceae.  Due to overexploitation, its natural population has dwindled and it has entered into the list of rare and threatened plants of India.  Its one among the 100 red listed medicinal plants of South India.

Polyalthia longifolia - duplicate Ashoka

            The common avenue tree Polyalthia longifolia   (Family Annonaceae) is also known as ‘ashoka tree’. But for the common name, there is no similarity in appearance or properties between this and Saraca asoca. Ironically, many believe that this is the real Ashoka of Ayurveda! There are also reports indicating that the bark of this easily available ‘nakli (duplicate) ashoka’ is used  in ashoka preparations, either as a substitute or as an adulterant,  to  the rare and difficult to find real Ashoka.