What is Alstonia scholaris?

About Alstonia scholaris:

• Alstonia scholaris, commonly called blackboard tree, scholar tree, milkwood, or devil's tree in English, is an evergreen tropical tree in the dogbane family (Apocynaceae).
• It is called 'Saptaparna' in India. It has been cited in the Charaka and Sushrutha Samhithas. 
• Distribution: This tree is widespread across the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and southern China, thriving in tropical and subtropical climates. 
• Features:

• It grows to a height of 10–20 meters, sometimes reaching up to 40 meters. 
• It has dark grey bark and a crown of simple, whorled leaves arranged in clusters of seven, giving rise to the name "saptaparni" (meaning "seven leaves"). 
• Flowers: Small, fragrant, and greenish-white flowers bloom in clusters during late autumn and early winter.

• Uses: 

• The bark, leaves, and other parts of Alstonia scholaris have been used in traditional medicine for treating respiratory conditions, fever, skin disorders, and digestive issues. 
• The soft, lightweight wood of the blackboard tree was historically used for making writing slates and blackboards, which is how it got the common name "blackboard tree."

• IUCN status: Least Concern