Indian cork tree (Millingtonia hortensis)

Millingtonia hortensis, the Indian cork tree or maramalli, is a tall, narrow tree whose long, white, trumpet-shaped flowers open at night and fill streets with a jasmine-like scent. By dawn the flowers have fallen, carpeting the ground. Its thick, corky bark was once used as a poor substitute for cork. It is a street and garden tree, valued for scent.

Botanical name: Millingtonia hortensis L.f.
Family: Bignoniaceae
Tamil: Maramalli
Hindi: Akash neem
Parts used: Flowers (scent)
Habit: Night-scented cork tree; jasmine is a shop word
Last updated: 2026-10-26

How to recognise Indian cork tree

It is a tall, slender tree with an upright, narrow crown and soft, deeply furrowed, corky grey bark.

The leaves are large and twice- or thrice-pinnate, with oval, pointed leaflets.

Flowers are white, with a very long, slender tube and five short lobes, in hanging clusters, strongly fragrant at night.

The fruit is a long, flat capsule with winged seeds, though trees in India often produce little fruit.

Fallen flowers lie on the ground each morning, still fragrant, which is often the first sign of the tree on a street.

Traditional use of Indian cork tree

Temple and garden

The fragrant flowers are collected from the ground in the morning and offered in temples or worn in the hair.

South Indian practice

Modern notes on Indian cork tree

The flowers have been studied for their volatile scent compounds, and the bark for its cork-like tissue.

Its narrow crown makes it suitable for avenues where space is limited.

Indian cork tree safety

There is no food or medicinal use. Its brittle wood can break in strong winds.

Ecology and sourcing

It is native to Myanmar, Thailand and neighbouring Southeast Asia and has long been planted in India.

Its night-opening, scented flowers are pollinated by hawkmoths.

It suckers from the roots, so groups of young trees often appear around an older one.

Related plants

Also in Bignoniaceae

Questions about Indian cork tree

Is Indian cork tree a jasmine?

No. It is in the jacaranda family; maramalli means “tree jasmine”.

Why is Indian cork tree called cork tree?

Its thick, soft, corky bark.

When does Indian cork tree flower?

Mainly after the monsoon, into the cool season.

Is Indian cork tree native to India?

It is native to Myanmar and Southeast Asia, and long planted in India.

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.