Alstonia scholaris Seeds | Devil’s Tree
LATIN NAME: Alstonia scholaris
COMMON NAME: Devil’s Tree, Blackboard Tree
Plant Profile
Alstonia scholaris, commonly known as Devil’s Tree, is a species with a long record in gardens. Pollinating insects take to the flowers at once, adding a little wildlife interest to its garden value. It is hard to name another plant that gives this much for this little trouble.
Science & Biotechnology
Seed science, comparative botany and horticultural selection all touch on Alstonia scholaris, a representative of the Alstonia group with clear practical value. Interest from collectors and breeders has never lapsed, and good seed continues to circulate.
Uses & Benefits
Gardeners value Devil’s Tree for its ornamental character, and the plant also fits naturally into herb, vegetable and cutting gardens. Its powerfully scented night-blooming flowers, while valued by some, are considered overpowering by others, a factor worth considering before planting it close to windows or seating areas. Mature plants need little attention in a well-chosen position.
Dita bark has a significant record in Ayurvedic and Southeast Asian medicine as a fever bark, once traded as a quinine substitute. Its indole alkaloids, including echitamine, have drawn continuing pharmacological interest.
Growing from Seed
Devil’s Tree grows readily from seed. Fresh seed is best; sow it into a loose, free-draining tropical mix and keep it warm and consistently moist. Bright light suits young seedling well, and this fast-growing species typically establishes without much difficulty once conditions are reasonably warm and humid. Level a tray of loose seed compost, sow evenly, cover to about the seed’s own depth, and keep it moist in full light. Shift the seedlings into small pots as soon as they can be handled, and give them bright light until planting-out time.
Our Take
We find Devil’s Tree interesting for growers curious about traditional plant uses, though any medicinal application deserves care and proper guidance rather than casual experimentation. Growth is unhurried, so this suits patient growers more than anyone after a quick result.
Related Reading
Gardeners who grow Devil’s Tree often pair it with these related subjects: