There are around 20 Akasha Mallige / Indian Cork trees lining our apartment compound. The ground is covered with these lovely fragrant flowers. It is a treat to see the tall trees in full bloom.
Plant Summary:
Another apt name for this is Tree Jasmine. In Hindi is it called as Neem Chameli and the botanical name is Millingtonia Hortensis belonging to the family Bignonicaceae*. The botanical name is derived from the 18th Century English botanist, Thomas Millington and `Hortensis` means, “grown in gardens”. These evergreen trees are native to Burma. The trees add ornamental value to towns and cities and hence it is planted in lanes, gardens and avenues. It grows tall and straight to a height of 24 meters.
The bark of the tree is cracked and uneven and produces an inferior cork. The leaves of the tree are also pretty about 2 to 7 cm long. Bloom time is from April till December. Flowers are in clusters at the tip of branches. They bloom in the night and fall in the early morning. The flowers are like long bells with 4 petals and stamens. The flowers are white.
The fruit of the tree is long and narrow capsules with thin flat seeds. The wood of the tree is used for furniture and interior designing work.
*Bignoniaceae, or Trumpet Creeper Family, is a family of flowering plants comprising of about 650-750 species in 116-120 genera. Jacaranda is another example of Bignoniaceae.
