I am a large, evergreen tree with a broad, spreading canopy and a tall, straight trunk that can be fluted at the base.

My most distinctive feature is my smooth, gray bark, which exfoliates in thin, flat pieces.

My leaves are simple, oblong, and a rich green on top with a pale brown underside, often hanging elegantly from my branches.

I produce clusters of small, pale yellow-white flowers and conical, woody fruits.

I am native to the Indian subcontinent, deeply rooted in the forests and plains of India, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar.

I am moderately drought-tolerant once established, but I thrive with consistent moisture.

Young trees need regular watering to develop a strong root system.

Mature trees benefit from deep watering during prolonged dry spells.

I can tolerate seasonal flooding but prefer well-drained soils.

I am a sun-loving tree!

I require full sun for optimal growth and a strong structure.

I can tolerate light shade when young, but my full potential is reached in open, sunny locations.

I thrive in a tropical to subtropical climate.

I prefer temperatures between 20°C and 35°C and can tolerate high summer heat.

I am sensitive to frost, especially when young.

Choose a spacious, open area where my wide canopy and deep roots have room to grow.

I am often planted along avenues, in parks, and as a shade tree in large gardens.

Plant me in a deep pit with well-draining soil and water thoroughly after planting.

Due to my large size, I am not suitable for small residential gardens.

I am not a heavy feeder. Applying well-rotted manure or compost around my base once a year is sufficient.

A balanced, slow-release fertilizer can be applied in the spring to support growth.

I naturally improve soil fertility with my leaf litter.

Scientific Name: Terminalia arjuna

Common Names: Arjuna, Koha, Thella maddi

Plant Family: Combretaceae

Plant Type: Large evergreen tree

No significant toxicity is reported for pets. However, it's always best to discourage pets from chewing on any non-food plants.

As a large tree, I am highly effective at sequestering carbon dioxide, releasing oxygen, and trapping dust particles, significantly improving air quality.

My bark is used in Ayurvedic medicine to support cardiovascular health.

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

My strong wood is used in timber and boat building.

Hosts a variety of birds and wildlife, promoting biodiversity.

Helps in soil conservation and watershed management.

Leaf galls - Caused by psyllid insects.

Powdery mildew - Fungal infection in humid conditions.

Root rot - In waterlogged soils.

Termites - Can sometimes attack the trunk.

I am a long-lived legacy tree! In my natural habitat, I can live for well over 100 years, growing into a magnificent, towering giant. I am a patient, enduring presence, offering my shade and healing properties for generations to come. Planting me is an investment in the future, a gift to the earth and its people.