Paathiri (Stereospermum colais)

Paathiri, paral in Hindi, is a deciduous forest tree of the bignonia family with fragrant, pale yellow trumpet flowers and long, twisted, snake-like pods. It is one of the trees whose root is sold as patala, part of the famous Ayurvedic ten-root formula, dashamula. Tamil padiri is used for both this tree and its pink-flowered relative, Stereospermum chelonoides.

Botanical name: Stereospermum colais (Buch.-Ham. ex Dillwyn) Mabb.
Family: Bignoniaceae
Tamil: Paathiri
Hindi: Paral
Sanskrit: Pāṭalā
Parts used: Bark in lists, Flowers
Habit: Yellow-flowered snake tree; Tamil padiri names two trees
Last updated: 2026-10-27

How to recognise Paathiri

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

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

Pale yellow, sometimes pink-tinged, fragrant bell-shaped flowers open in loose clusters, often at night.

The pods are long, slender, cylindrical and twisted, up to half a metre, hanging like snakes.

Stereospermum chelonoides has dull pink to purple flowers and straighter, ribbed pods.

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

Traditional use of Paathiri

Ayurveda

Patala root is one of the ten roots of dashamula, used in decoctions and oils for inflammation and fevers.

Ayurvedic practice

Siddha

Padiri bark and roots appear in Siddha preparations.

Siddha practice

Modern notes on Paathiri

Studies on bark and root extracts are mostly laboratory work.

Because two or more Stereospermum species are sold as patala, the identity of market roots varies.

Root collection for dashamula puts pressure on wild trees.

Its pale, fairly strong timber is used locally for house building, furniture and farm tools.

Paathiri safety

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

Ecology and sourcing

It grows in deciduous forests from India to southern China and Sumatra.

Bats and hawkmoths visit the night-fragrant flowers.

Its winged seeds are carried by wind.

It flowers in the hot months, when the tree is often leafless, so the yellow trumpets are easy to spot.

Related plants

Also in Bignoniaceae

Questions about Paathiri

What is patala?

The Sanskrit name for Stereospermum trees used in dashamula.

Why is Paathiri called snake tree?

Its long, twisted pods hang like snakes.

Is Paathiri the only padiri?

No. Stereospermum chelonoides is also called padiri.

What is dashamula?

An Ayurvedic formula of ten roots.

When do the flowers of Paathiri open?

Often in the evening and at night.

Is the wood of Paathiri used?

Yes, locally for building, furniture and tools.

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.