Millingtonia hortensis

🌿 Botanical Overview

• Scientific Name: Millingtonia hortensis
• Common Names: Indian Cork Tree, Tree Jasmine, Akash Neem
• Family: Bignoniaceae
• Native Range: South and Southeast Asia — particularly India, Myanmar, Thailand
• Name Origin: Named after Sir Thomas Millington, an English botanist

🌼 Description

• Size: Medium to tall tree, typically 15–25 meters (49–82 ft) in height
• Leaves: Bipinnate or tripinnate, light green, somewhat resembling neem leaves
• Flowers: White, tubular, fragrant, bloom mostly at night and fall by morning
• Bark: Soft, corky, light gray — can be easily peeled off
• Fruit: Long, slender capsules with winged seeds

🌍 Habitat and Growth

• Climate: Tropical and subtropical; prefers warm temperatures
• Soil: Well-drained soils; tolerant of urban pollution
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Growth Rate: Fast-growing under optimal conditions
• Ornamental Use: Commonly planted along avenues and in gardens due to its fragrance and shade