The
smell, that, comes from a tree named Alstonia Scholaris or Saptaparni or
Ezhilampala (Indian devil tree) attracts the people of Delhi on the onset of winter.
The presence of this tree just near to my office attracts people by smell of flowers
and can be felt even 100 meters away. The tree bears a fruit which ripens and break
open at night, spreading the aroma and the pollen. In Indian mythology, Yakshi the female goddess associated with the
fertility of the earth, love, and beauty lives in Ezhilampala
In Kerala Yakshi is a very popular folklore character. Similar
characters are known in many parts of the world. While the Yakshi of Kerala
folklore prefers white robes, similar characters, the Scottish and Malaysian prefer
green apparels. It is said
that whenever a Yakshi appears there would be fragrance of Jasmine or Pala
(Alstonia scholaris) - common name Indian devil tree.
A
soft-stemmed tree with highly fragrant tiny flowers that open during night.
Seven leaves arise from a single nod and several braches start from the same
joint giving the tree a particular shape. Fruits are long shell that hangs in
clusters. Ezhilampala is believed to
be the habitat of fairies by Indian myths! The fragrance of its flower is sweet
when light but causes giddiness when smelled; may be the reason for this innocent
tree being called devil tree!
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| This Ezhilampala is a dwelling place for parrots, dove, squirrel, crows, humming bird, pea cock apart from Yakshi!!. |
