Padiri (Stereospermum chelonoides)

Padiri, padal in Hindi and patala in Sanskrit, is a deciduous tree with fragrant, dull pink to purple trumpet flowers and long, ribbed pods. Its root bark is the classic patala of dashamula, the Ayurvedic ten-root formula. Sanskrit poets praised the scent of patala flowers in summer. Tamil padiri is also used for its yellow-flowered relative, Stereospermum colais.

Botanical name: Stereospermum chelonoides (L.f.) DC.
Family: Bignoniaceae
Tamil: Padiri
Hindi: Padal
Sanskrit: Pāṭalā
Parts used: Bark in lists, Flowers
Habit: Fragrant pink-flowered patala tree
Last updated: 2026-10-27

How to recognise Padiri

It is a medium to tall deciduous tree with grey, flaking bark.

The leaves are large and pinnate, with several pairs of oval, pointed leaflets.

Fragrant, bell-shaped flowers, dull pink to purple with darker veins, open in clusters in the hot season.

The pods are long, slender and straight to slightly curved, with ridges.

Stereospermum colais has paler yellow flowers and twisted pods.

The seeds are flat, with thin papery wings at both ends.

Traditional use of Padiri

Ayurveda

Patala root bark is one of the ten roots of dashamula, used in decoctions and medicated oils.

Ayurvedic practice

Literature

Sanskrit poetry links the scent of patala flowers with the summer season.

Sanskrit literature

Siddha

Padiri bark appears in Siddha preparations for fevers.

Siddha practice

Modern notes on Padiri

Studies on root and bark extracts are mostly laboratory work.

More than one Stereospermum species is sold as patala, so product identity varies.

Root harvesting for dashamula puts pressure on wild trees.

Its timber is used for house building, furniture and tool handles in parts of India.

Padiri safety

Use patala only in formulas prepared by a trained practitioner, and avoid it in pregnancy.

Ecology and sourcing

It grows in deciduous forests from India to South-east Asia.

Bees and moths visit the scented flowers.

Its winged seeds are carried by wind.

Related plants

Also in Bignoniaceae

Questions about Padiri

What is patala?

The Sanskrit name for this tree.

What is dashamula?

An Ayurvedic formula of ten roots.

What colour are the Padiri’s flowers?

Dull pink to purple.

Is Padiri the same as the yellow snake tree?

No. That is Stereospermum colais.

Are the flowers fragrant?

Yes, strongly.

Is the wood of Padiri used?

Yes, for building, furniture and tool handles.

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.