Millingtonia hortensis, commonly known as Indian Cork Tree or Akash Neem, is a beautiful and fragrant flowering tree belonging to the Bignoniaceae family. Native to South Asia, particularly India, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar, it is widely cultivated as an ornamental tree in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Millingtonia hortensis is treasured for its elegant appearance, delicate white flowers, and its enchanting fragrance, making it a popular choice for gardens, parks, and landscapes.
Landscape Use:
Millingtonia hortensis is a prized choice for gardens, parks, and larger landscapes, where its fragrant flowers and attractive foliage add a touch of elegance and charm.
It is often planted near patios, walkways, or seating areas, where its enchanting fragrance can be enjoyed by visitors.
The Indian Cork Tree is a valuable addition to butterfly and pollinator gardens, as its flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
Overall, Millingtonia hortensis is a captivating and delightful tree, with its fragrant white flowers and graceful appearance. Its enchanting fragrance and adaptability to various environmental conditions make it a cherished choice for gardeners and landscape designers aiming to create a serene and sensory-rich outdoor environment.
Here’s a detailed description of Millingtonia hortensis:
Plant Characteristics:
Size: Millingtonia hortensis is a medium to large-sized deciduous tree that can reach heights of 30 to 60 feet (9 to 18 meters) in its natural habitat. In cultivation, it typically grows to around 20 to 40 feet (6 to 12 meters).
Leaves: The leaves of Millingtonia hortensis are pinnately compound, meaning they consist of multiple leaflets arranged in pairs along a central rachis. The leaflets are elongated, lance-shaped, and have serrated edges. The foliage has a pleasant green color and provides a lush appearance to the tree.
Flowers: The most notable feature of Millingtonia hortensis is its beautiful and fragrant flowers. The flowers are small, trumpet-shaped, and pure white in color. They are borne in large, showy clusters that hang gracefully from the branches. The tree produces an abundance of these fragrant blooms during the flowering season.
Fragrance: The flowers of Millingtonia hortensis emit a strong, sweet, and intoxicating fragrance, especially in the evening. The fragrance is often compared to that of jasmine or orange blossoms, which adds to the tree’s appeal.
Bark: The bark of the Indian Cork Tree is smooth and grayish-brown in color when young, gradually developing shallow fissures and roughness as the tree matures.
Cultural Requirements:
Sunlight: Millingtonia hortensis thrives in full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade. It prefers a location with plenty of sunlight to encourage prolific flowering.
Temperature: This tree is well-suited to warm and tropical climates, where temperatures remain above 60°F (15°C). It is sensitive to frost and prefers frost-free regions.
Soil: Millingtonia hortensis prefers well-draining, fertile soil but can adapt to a range of soil types, including sandy and loamy soils.
Watering: The tree prefers regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the growing season. However, it can tolerate brief periods of drought once established.
Pruning: Pruning may be necessary to remove dead or diseased branches and to shape the tree for aesthetic purposes.
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