Introduction to the Asoka Tree and How to Grow It, So It Blooms Beautiful Flowers

The Asoka tree is also called the flame flower, and it is a very beautiful flowering plant. When in full bloom, it looks like clusters of flames from a distance. It is one of the sacred flowers in Buddhism, and legend has it that Shakyamuni, the founder of Buddhism, was born under an Asoka tree. So, what kind of flower is the Asoka tree? Here is a brief introduction.

I. Introduction to the Asoka Tree

1. The Asoka tree is an evergreen tree plant of the Fabaceae family and the genus Saraca. Its branches and leaves are dense, and it grows 5-20 m tall with a diameter at breast height of up to 25 cm. Its leaves are leathery, drooping, long elliptical or ovate-lanceolate, dark green, with young leaves slightly purplish-red. Its flowering period is April-May, with yellow flowers that later partly turn red. Its fruiting period is July-October, with brown, flat pods containing 5-9 flat seeds.

2. The Asoka tree is a somewhat sun-loving tree species. It prefers a warm, humid subtropical climate and is not cold-tolerant. It is produced from southeastern Yunnan to southwestern, southern and southeastern Guangxi, generally growing in dense or sparse forests at an altitude of 200-1000 m, and is commonly found on both sides of rivers or streams. A small number are cultivated at the South China Botanical Garden in Guangzhou, and it is also distributed in Vietnam and Laos.

3. The Asoka tree has large and beautiful flowers, making it a good tree species for courtyard landscaping and ornamental viewing. Its bark is used as medicine and has the effects of dispelling wind and promoting blood circulation, reducing swelling and relieving pain. It is used for rheumatic joint pain, bruises and injuries, dysmenorrhea, irregular menstruation, and postpartum waist and abdominal pain. It can be used to raise lac insects (an important resource insect; the lac secreted by the female insect is an important chemical raw material), and it is an excellent host for lac insects.

II. How to Grow the Asoka Tree?

1. Sowing

The Asoka tree can be propagated by sowing. The seeds mature in August and can be sown as soon as they are collected. The suitable temperature for seed germination is 24-28°C. Germination begins in late September. After germination, the seedlings overwinter in a sand bed, and the overwintering temperature should be above 12°C. The seedlings are transplanted after it warms up the following spring.

2. Soil

For cultivating the Asoka tree, the soil should preferably be fertile, moist, deep, well-drained acidic to slightly alkaline loam or sandy loam. It grows poorly in dry, barren soil, and is not suitable for planting in heavy clay or waterlogged land. If the soil is on the acidic side, lime should be applied in layers when preparing the land to neutralize the acidity.

3. Temperature

The Asoka tree likes a warm environment, is not cold-tolerant, and is sensitive to frost. Its suitable growth temperature is 23-30°C. Growth stops below 13°C, and there is cold damage at 5°C. In China, it is suitable for cultivation in southern South China south of the Tropic of Cancer. North of Guangzhou, it cannot overwinter in the open ground, and in the north it is mostly grown in pots in greenhouses.

4. Light

The Asoka tree likes an environment with plenty of sunlight. It is slightly shade-tolerant at the seedling stage, while large trees like light. During the seedling stage, it can be kept in a semi-shaded place, and at other times it can be moved to a place with plenty of sunlight for care.

5. Fertilizer and Water

The Asoka tree has slightly high requirements for water and fertilizer conditions. Before planting, decomposed farmyard manure or screened garbage should be applied as a base fertilizer. After planting, it should be watered thoroughly and supported with stakes. During the vigorous growth period in spring and summer, nitrogen fertilizer should be applied once a month. After autumn begins, fertilization should be stopped to help the seedlings overwinter and protect against the cold.

6. Flowering

The Asoka tree generally blooms in April-May. The flowers are relatively small and fine, about the size of a fingernail, but once it blooms, the flowers are numerous, often in strings and clusters, and are golden yellow and bright, exceptionally beautiful. After flowering, prune and trim once, but do not prune heavily or severely. Only by retaining old branches can it bloom the following year.

The above is an introduction to the Asoka tree. If you want to grow it, you can sow it after the seeds mature in August. Plant it in fertile, moist, deep, well-drained acidic to slightly alkaline loam or sandy loam, and manage the temperature, light, fertilizer and water well, and it will bloom beautiful flowers.