Alstonia scholaris

Other names: Saptaparni, White cheesewood, Milky pine, Dita, Devil´s tree, Chitvan, Saptaparni

Alstonia scholaris, known by many names such as Saptaparni, White cheesewood, Milky pine, Dita, Devil's tree, Chitvan, or Saptaparni, is an evergreen tree native to southern and eastern Asia. It reaches a height of up to 40 metres and is characterised by its dark green, alternate leaves and white flowers. In autumn, its crown is richly covered with numerous clusters of flowers that spread out into the distance and attract nocturnal butterflies. The age of this tree is estimated at 40-50 years. It can produce large quantities of seeds during the growing season.

The wood of Alstonia scholaris is very light and soft and is often used for furniture, toys and various craft items. The wood also has excellent insulating properties and is resistant to termites, which is why it is often used in home construction. The bark of this tree is also a rich source of medicinal substances. It is used in traditional Indian medicine, where it is known for its antibacterial, antimalarial and antidiabetic properties. The leaves are also used in herbal medicine to treat the skin, while the flowers are used for perfumes for their sweet and distinctive fragrance.