Millingtonia hortensis (Indian Cork Tree)

Product Name: Millingtonia hortensis (Indian Cork Tree)

Description:

The Millingtonia hortensis, commonly known as the Indian Cork Tree, is a tall, ornamental tree known for its fragrant white flowers and graceful appearance. Native to South Asia, this elegant tree is widely planted in India for its beauty, shade, and aromatic flowers. With its towering height, lush foliage, and stunning floral display, the Indian Cork Tree is ideal for enhancing large gardens, parks, and avenues.

Features:

• Fragrant White Flowers: The Indian Cork Tree produces clusters of long, tubular white flowers that emit a pleasant, jasmine-like fragrance. These blooms appear in the cool season, filling the air with their sweet scent and attracting birds and pollinators.
• Graceful, Lush Foliage: The tree’s dense, feathery, pinnate leaves provide ample shade, making it perfect for large gardens, courtyards, and public spaces. The foliage creates a cooling, relaxing atmosphere during hot Indian summers.
• Towering Growth: Growing up to 50-80 feet, the Indian Cork Tree adds vertical interest to landscapes with its tall, straight trunk and broad, spreading canopy. Its towering presence makes it a natural choice for avenue planting or as a focal point in large spaces.
• Cork-Like Bark: As its name suggests, the Indian Cork Tree has a soft, cork-like bark, which is often used in making cork products. This bark, along with the tree’s flowers and wood, contributes to its functional value.
• Cultural & Medicinal Significance: In addition to its ornamental value, the tree is used in traditional Indian medicine. Its bark and flowers are known for their medicinal properties, treating respiratory issues and other ailments.

Planting & Care:

• Sunlight: Thrives in full sun to partial shade. Plant in a location that receives direct sunlight for most of the day to ensure healthy growth and abundant flowering.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained soil. It can adapt to a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and slightly clay soils, but ensure the planting site is not waterlogged.
• Watering: Water regularly during the initial years to establish the tree. Once matured, the Indian Cork Tree is moderately drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering.
• Pruning: Light pruning can be done after the flowering season to maintain the tree’s shape and remove any dead or damaged branches.
• Fertilization: Use organic compost or a balanced fertilizer once a year in early spring to encourage robust growth and prolific flowering.

Ideal For:

• Large gardens and courtyards
• Avenue and roadside planting
• Parks and public spaces
• Ornamental landscaping

Additional Information:

• Mature Height: 50-80 feet
• Mature Spread: 30-40 feet
• Growth Rate: Fast
• Foliage Type: Deciduous to semi-evergreen
• Bloom Time: Autumn to early winter
• Origin: Native to South Asia

The Indian Cork Tree is a majestic, fast-growing tree that combines beauty, functionality, and cultural importance. Its fragrant blooms, tall stature, and graceful foliage make it a popular choice for large landscapes, offering shade and charm to any space.