The Devil Tree or Blackboard Tree (Alstonia scholaris), known as Saptaparni for its seven-leaf whorls, is a fast-growing evergreen valued as a shade and avenue tree. In autumn it bears dense clusters of small greenish-white flowers whose powerful, heady fragrance carries far on cool evenings. The smooth-barked trunk yields soft wood once used for blackboards and slates, while the bark has a long history in traditional medicine. Tolerant of heat and varied soils, it forms a neat tiered canopy, making it a common choice for roadsides, campuses and large gardens across India.
Specifications
| Family |
Apocynaceae |
| Native region |
Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia |
| Mature height |
12-20 m |
| Mature spread |
6-10 m |
| Growth rate |
Fast |
| Foliage |
Evergreen, glossy leaves in whorls of 4-7 |
| Flower colour |
Greenish-white to cream |
| Flower season |
Autumn (Oct-Dec) |
| Climate zone |
Tropical and subtropical |
Care guide
| Sunlight |
Full sun to light shade |
| Watering |
Moderate; drought-tolerant once established |
| Soil / mix |
Adapts to most well-drained soils |
| Temperature |
Thrives in 20-38C; tender to frost when young |
| Humidity |
Tolerates wide range |
| Fertilizer |
Occasional organic manure |
| Pruning |
Minimal; remove dead or crowded branches |
| Repotting |
Grow in ground; not a container plant |
| Propagation |
Seeds and cuttings |
| Pests & problems |
Largely pest-free; milky latex deters browsers |
| Toxicity / safety |
Latex and bark are toxic if ingested |
| Difficulty |
Easy |
Uses
Widely planted as a hardy evergreen shade and avenue tree; its soft wood and medicinal bark have traditional uses, and the autumn flowers are intensely fragrant.
Growing tips
Plant in full sun during the monsoon for fast growth. Be aware the strong autumn flower scent can trigger allergies, so avoid planting close to bedroom windows in dense settings.