Ezhilai palai (Alstonia scholaris)

Ezhilai palai, saptaparni in Hindi, is the devil’s tree or blackboard tree, a tall evergreen with leaves in whorls of five to eight, which gives the names seven-leaved. Its light wood was once used for school slates and writing boards, which explains the species name scholaris. In October and November its flowers release a heavy scent that some city residents find overwhelming. It is the state tree of West Bengal.

Botanical name: Alstonia scholaris (L.) R.Br.
Family: Apocynaceae
Tamil: Ezhilai palai
Hindi: Saptaparni
Sanskrit: Saptaparṇa
Parts used: Bark in lists
Habit: Tall milky avenue tree with heavily scented autumn flowers
Last updated: 2026-10-27

How to recognise Ezhilai palai

It is a tall, evergreen tree with a straight trunk and branches in tiers, and abundant milky latex.

The leathery, glossy leaves grow in whorls of five to eight, pale beneath with many parallel side veins.

Tiny, greenish-white flowers form dense, rounded clusters at the branch tips in autumn.

The fruits are pairs of long, thin, hanging pods that release seeds with tufts of hair.

The bark is grey and rough, and bitter to taste.

Traditional use of Ezhilai palai

Ayurveda

Saptaparna bark is used in Ayurveda for fevers and skin complaints.

Ayurvedic practice

Craft

Its soft, light wood was used for slates, writing boards and packing boxes.

South and South-east Asian craft practice

Garden

It is widely planted as an avenue tree in Indian cities.

Indian urban planting practice

Modern notes on Ezhilai palai

The bark, sold as dita bark, contains alkaloids such as echitamine.

Clinical evidence for its fever use is limited.

Its heavy scent and pollen have led some cities to question planting it near homes.

Ezhilai palai safety

Do not take the bark or latex by mouth without a trained practitioner. People with asthma or pollen allergy may react to the flowering trees.

Ecology and sourcing

It is native from India and Sri Lanka to South-east Asia and northern Australia.

Moths visit the night-scented flowers.

Its wind-blown seeds spread easily.

Related plants

Also in Apocynaceae

Questions about Ezhilai palai

What does saptaparni mean?

Seven-leaved, after its leaf whorls.

Why is Ezhilai palai called scholaris?

Its wood was used for school slates.

When does Ezhilai palai flower?

In October and November.

Why does Ezhilai palai smell so strong?

Its flowers release a heavy scent at night.

Which state has Ezhilai palai as state tree?

West Bengal.

Sources

Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.