Description
Stereospermum leonense (also called Indian rose chestnut, among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant in the family Bignoniaceae. It is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree, growing up to 8 m tall. It is native to India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and southern China. It is found in tropical and subtropical moist lowland forests.
Uses & Benefits
Stereospermum leonense is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a medicinal plant for treating fever, colds, and headaches.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flowers of Stereospermum leonense are white, with five petals and yellow anthers. The seeds are small, dark brown, and have a hard, round seed coat. The seedlings are small, with a single, oval-shaped leaf.
Cultivation and Propagation
Stereospermum leonense is a small evergreen tree native to India and Sri Lanka. It grows to a height of about 10 feet and prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Propagation is usually done by cuttings or layering. The plant can also be grown from seed, but it is not recommended as the seedlings are not always true to the parent plant.