I am a medium to large-sized evergreen tree with a dense, dark green, spreading canopy.

My most distinctive feature is my small, round, olive-like drupes. These fruits have a single, deeply grooved seed that is hard and durable, perfect for making rosaries (malas).

My leaves are simple, glossy, and elliptical with a wavy margin.

I am a slow-growing tree, valued for its shade, wood, and religious importance.

I am native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.

I am drought-tolerant once established, thanks to my deep root system.

Young trees need regular watering to help their roots establish, especially during dry summer months.

Mature trees can survive on natural rainfall and do not like waterlogged conditions.

I am well-suited for a variety of soil and moisture conditions.

I am a sun lover but can tolerate partial shade!

I thrive in full sun, which encourages a dense canopy and good fruiting.

I can grow in light shade, especially when young.

I thrive in tropical and subtropical climates.

I am very heat-tolerant and can also withstand light frosts once mature.

My ideal growing temperature ranges from 15°C to 35°C.

Due to my religious significance, I am often planted in temple grounds, schoolyards, and home gardens for my sacred shade.

Choose a spacious, well-drained location to accommodate my mature size.

I am also used in avenue planting and as a shade tree in agroforestry systems.

My wood is valuable for making agricultural implements.

I am a light feeder. A top dressing of compost or well-rotted manure once a year is sufficient.

I naturally improve the soil with my leaf litter.

Chemical fertilizers are generally not necessary.

Scientific Name: Putranjiva roxburghii

Common Names: Lucky Bean Tree, Child Life Tree, Jiyaputa

Plant Family: Putranjivaceae (formerly Euphorbiaceae)

Plant Type: Evergreen sacred tree

No significant toxicity is reported, and my fruits are not known to be poisonous. However, as with any non-food plant, it's best to prevent pets from excessive chewing.

As a hardy, leafy evergreen, I am excellent at absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen year-round. My dense canopy also helps in dust suppression.

My seeds are traditionally used to make rosaries and protective amulets for children, believed to ward off evil and ensure good health.

Provides excellent, dense shade, making me a valuable tree for public spaces.

The oil from my seeds is used in traditional medicine.

I hold immense cultural and religious significance in Hinduism.

Leaf-eating Caterpillars - Can sometimes defoliate sections of the tree.

Scale Insects - May attach to stems and leaves.

Sooty Mold - A black fungus that grows on honeydew from sap-sucking pests.

Root Rot - In poorly drained, waterlogged soils.

I am a long-lived and resilient tree! With minimal care, I can thrive for well over 100 years, becoming a majestic and sacred presence in the landscape. I am a tree of patience and tradition, planted as a blessing for future generations, offering my shade and spiritual protection for centuries.