Arjun (Terminalia arjuna) is a large, handsome native evergreen tree found along rivers and streams across India, with a wide buttressed trunk and smooth, pale grey-pink bark that flakes in thin sheets. The drooping branches form a spreading crown of oblong leaves, and it bears small pale flowers followed by distinctive five-winged woody fruits. Most famous for its bark, which is a cornerstone of Ayurvedic heart tonics, Arjun is also a fine shade and avenue tree. Hardy and adaptable, it tolerates seasonal flooding and varied soils, making it a valuable multipurpose tree.
Specifications
| Family |
Combretaceae |
| Native region |
Indian subcontinent |
| Mature height |
15-25 m |
| Mature spread |
8-15 m |
| Growth rate |
Moderate to fast |
| Foliage |
Evergreen to semi-evergreen, oblong leaves |
| Flower colour |
Pale yellowish-white |
| Flower season |
Summer (Mar-Jun) |
| Climate zone |
Tropical and subtropical |
Care guide
| Sunlight |
Full sun |
| Watering |
Moderate; tolerates seasonal flooding and dry spells |
| Soil / mix |
Prefers moist riverside soils; adapts widely |
| Temperature |
Thrives in 18-42C; fairly hardy |
| Humidity |
Tolerates wide range |
| Fertilizer |
Occasional organic manure |
| Pruning |
Minimal; remove dead or crossing branches |
| Repotting |
Grow in ground; not a pot plant |
| Propagation |
Seeds |
| Pests & problems |
Generally hardy; host to tasar silk moth |
| Toxicity / safety |
Bark used medicinally; non-toxic in normal use |
| Difficulty |
Easy |
Uses
Grown as a shade and avenue tree and for its prized bark, a key Ayurvedic cardiac tonic; it also supports tasar silkworm rearing and helps stabilize riverbanks.
Growing tips
Plant near water bodies or in moisture-retentive soil in full sun, as Arjun naturally grows along rivers and tolerates seasonal waterlogging. Sow seeds in the monsoon for best establishment.