Asogam, ashok in Hindi, is the true ashoka tree, a small evergreen of moist forests whose dense, orange-red flower clusters bloom on its trunk and branches in spring. Its bark is used in ashokarishta, an Ayurvedic tonic for women’s menstrual complaints. In the Ramayana, Sita is held in the Ashoka Vatika. Overharvesting of bark has made it vulnerable, and the tall, narrow mast tree often sold as ashoka is a different plant.
- Botanical name
- Saraca asoca (Roxb.) Willd.
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Tamil
- Asogam
- Hindi
- Ashok
- Sanskrit
- Aśoka
- Parts used
- Bark, Flowers
- Habit
- Small evergreen tree of moist forest with orange-red flower clusters
- Last updated
- 2026-10-30
How to recognise Asogam
It is a small evergreen tree, usually six to nine metres, with a dense crown.
The leaves are pinnate, with four to six pairs of long, narrow leaflets.
New leaves hang down limp in pink or bronze tassels before stiffening and turning green.
Fragrant, orange to red flower clusters, without petals, grow on the trunk and older branches from February to April.
The pods are flat, purple-red and leathery, with several seeds.
Traditional use of Asogam
Ayurveda
Ashoka bark is used in ashokarishta and other formulas for menstrual complaints.
Ayurvedic practice
Ritual
The tree is sacred in Hindu and Buddhist tradition and is planted near temples.
Indian ritual practice
Literature
Sanskrit poets wrote that the ashoka blooms when touched by the foot of a beautiful woman.
Sanskrit literature
Modern notes on Asogam
Market ashoka bark is often substituted with mast-tree bark, Monoon longifolium.
Bark extracts have been studied in animals for effects on the uterus, but human trials are limited.
The species is listed as vulnerable because of bark stripping.
Asogam safety
Use ashoka bark only in prepared formulas under a practitioner, and see a doctor for heavy or painful periods. Avoid it in pregnancy.
Ecology and sourcing
It grows in moist forests of the Western Ghats, eastern Himalaya and north-east India.
Butterflies and bees visit its flowers.
It needs shade and moisture to grow well.
Related plants
Also in Fabaceae
Questions about Asogam
Is the tall avenue tree ashoka?
Usually not; that is the mast tree.
Why does Asogam have no petals?
Its colour comes from the calyx and stamens.
What is ashokarishta?
An Ayurvedic tonic made with ashoka bark.
Is Asogam endangered?
It is listed as vulnerable.
When does Asogam flower?
From February to April.
Sources
- Saraca asoca (Roxb.) Willd. — Plants of the World Online, Kew (search) (accessed 2026)
- Wikidata item Q757356 (Saraca asoca)
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.