FROM BLOOM TO BREATHE: BOTANICAL ASSESSMENT OF ALSTONIA SCHOLARIS (L.) R. BR IN URBAN ENVIRONMENTS

Many avenue plants are planted in urban area under the afforestation program by the social forestry. This plant helps to increase the green cover and beautification of urban area, but many time due to the lack of knowledge and pattern of plantation some plant species may create a problem in future. Present study investigates the morphological, anatomical, and phenological aspects of Alstonia scholaris (L.) R. Br. an evergreen, winter-blooming tree species commonly planted in urban areas. Key findings from the study reveal that its floral traits, such as dusk anthesis, pungent odor, in the favour of insect pollination, contribute to its ecological significance. In A. scholaris, the pungent odor of flowers causes mild breathing problems and sleeping difficulty in dry and winter season only in the areas where this tree is planted massively. However, the tree’s profuse flowering and odor release may adversely impact people, particularly for individuals with respiratory sensitivities which marks the question on the existence of the plant in the urban area. The study emphasizes the need for a balanced planting strategy i.e. scattered plantation instead of mass plantations in urban areas which mitigating the health problems. 

Keyword: Alstonia scholaris (L.) R. Br., Avenue Plants, Botanical Sssessment, Urban Environment