Terminalia Arjuna, Arjun Tree - 0.5 kg Seeds

Terminalia arjuna (Terminalia arjuna), the arjun tree, is a large evergreen tree growing 20-30 m tall with a wide, buttressed trunk and a characteristic smooth, pinkish-grey bark that flakes in large plates. It has a broad, drooping crown of oblong leaves and bears small pale-yellow flowers followed by winged, fibrous fruits. Native to India, it is most often found along riverbanks, streams and in moist valleys across the central, eastern and peninsular regions.

It is one of the most important medicinal trees in Ayurveda, the bark being widely used as a cardiac tonic; it is also planted for soil and riverbank stabilisation, for shade and as an avenue tree, and its leaves host the tasar silkworm. The hard, durable timber is used for construction, agricultural implements and cart work, making it a valued agroforestry and afforestation species.

• Family: Combretaceae
• Native region: Indian subcontinent
• Mature height: 20-30 m
• Growth rate: Moderate to fast

Sowing the seed: the woody, corky winged fruits have a hard coat, so soak them in water for 24-48 hours (changing the water) before sowing to improve germination. Sow about 2-3 cm deep in well-drained sandy loam in nursery beds or polybags and keep consistently moist; germination is irregular, usually taking 14-30 days. Grow the seedlings on and transplant when 30-50 cm tall, ideally at the start of the monsoon near a moist site.