Stereospermum colais_Patala

I was just wandering through our Ethno Medicinal Garden, my eyes were drawn to sprinkled, vibrant orange-yellow flowers under a majestic tree. When raised my eyes, could see thousands of flowers seemed to dance in the gentle breeze. Intrigued by its striking beauty, I approached the tree and marveled at its intricate blooms; with its stunning trumpet-shaped flowers and glossy green leaves, exuded a sense of grace and elegance. Its delicate petals, tinged with shades of orange and yellow, were glowing in the sunlight, creating a mesmerizing display of colors. As I leaned in closer to examine the flowers, I was struck by their unique scent - a sweet and floral fragrance that carried a hint of honey.
That tree was Paatala!
Stereospermum colais (Dillwyn) Mabb. belonging to the family Bignoniaceae is known as Paatala in Sanskrit. It is also considered as a sacred tree in Hindu religion. In Indian astrological calendar, it is seen as Lord Ravi and represents the zodiac sign Simha. In Tamil Nadu, it is planted as sthala vriksha in many temples especially for Shiva, Vishnu and Subramanya. The Name of Paataliswarar temple, in Tamil Nadu origins from the name of this tree and of course Paatala tree is the sthala vriksha of this temple. Sthalapurana of this temple says Goddess Parvati performed pujas under this tree to free herself from sins.
How does it look like?
Paatala is evergreen tree with conical or ovoid canopy growing to a height of 20 m tall. Leaves 25-50 cm long, opposite, pinnately compound, with 7-9 leaflets. Inflorescence is a panicled raceme, up to 20 cm long. Pods are pendulous, about 20 cm long, twisted. Seeds are many, with membranous wings, arranged on central, woody septum. Flowering and fruiting can be seen from November-February or May-July.
S. colais is reported to occur throughout India. However, it is common in peninsular India, usually found in dry and moist deciduous forests, even in the rocky areas and among boulders.
Ayurvedic Properties and Uses
Paatala is one the 10 ingredients of Dasamula formulation, hence it is highly traded especially for its roots and bark. It is used in the treatment of intermittent fevers, inflammatory affections of the chest, anaemia, stomach ache, and cough. In Siddha system of medicine, it is also quoted as an aphrodisiac. Flowers mixed honey is also given to stop hiccup.
How to grow it in your garden?
Paatalas are very hardy and do not suffer in heat and drought. They do not demand any special kind of soil or topography and therefore can be planted in any kind of localities. They are fast growing trees and also reported as fire resistant. The dark green, lustrous foliage and compact, pyramidal crown bring beauty to the garden. Exquisitely sweet scented flowers add great flavor to the landscape. Straight solitary pole with compact conical canopy makes it a wonderful lawn specimen. Unlike the sacred trees like Bael, Ashwatha, etc., Paatalas have no reference of restriction and can be planted in homestead gardens to serve as attractive house plants! Just ten numbers of Paatalas planted in an acre of lawn/land can perfectly enhance the look of the gardens, as they add to the visual appeal! If any one likes semi-wild look of gardens, Paatalas could be the first choice. Shade of Paatalas is very cool; hence would be the best choice for the gardens of semi-arid areas.
Paatalas are propagated only through seeds. Fruits mature during March-May or June-July. Fruits are plucked from the trees when half-ripe and then dried in the sun. One cannot wait for the fruit to dry in the tree itself because the thin papery, winged seeds slide down and disperse even if there is little dehiscing at the end of the pods leaving only the middle septa (mistaken as seeds, there were instances where broken septa of the pods were sown in the nursery). Reported viability of seeds is one year. Ripe, viable seeds are soaked in warm water over night and are dibbled and then covered by thin layer of soil in raised mother beds. Best season for sowing is April-June. Germination starts after 15 days and will continue for another 15 days. 70-80 percent of germination can be expected. 5 cm-old seedlings can be transplanted to the containers and one-year-old seedlings can be planted in the main field.
What are the Vernacular names?
Paarul mool is the trendy trade name. Patali and Patala are the names referred by Ayurveda; Paral or Padaria in Hindi and Marathi calls as Parul/padal. Padiri is name in Kannada, Tamil and Telugu. Malayalam vernacular is Poopathiri. In English, S. colais is known as Yellow Snake tree because of its yellow flowers and twisted pods. The generic epithet Stereospermum is derived from Greek- in Greek stere=solid/firm; spermos=seed, in allusion to the tightly packed seeds. Specific epithet suaveolens =sweet scented in latin, due to its fragrant flowers.
Religious Paatalas can rejuvenate not only the mind and soul but also gardens!

[@sathiameenakumaraswamy2501]

A breathtaking video on the spectacular beauty of Stereospermum colais. A staggering and splendid tree overwhelming with goodness and sacredness. Clear botanical description of all morphological parts starting from bark till pod is highly applauded. Video that vividly visualized the versatile applications including aesthetic, religious and medicinal values made a deeper impact and influence in viewer's mind and heart. Congratulations for making such an enthralling video being impressed, engraved and etched by the imprints of fallen flowers of yellow carpet. Best wishes for more such exemplary and excellent videos in future too.

[@EcoscapeIndia]

Thanks so much!

[@annapurna1234]

Beautiful.... information is so detailed.... awesome explanation 🎉🎉

[@EcoscapeIndia]

Thanks so much!

[@hemalathamurali1925]

Very beautiful 😍 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@EcoscapeIndia]

Thanks so much!

[@ShivaShreeayurveda]

Wowww🥳🥳🥳very nice sir

[@EcoscapeIndia]

Thanks so much!

[@vinodasidaraddi4546]

So beautifully described Sir
🎉🎉

[@EcoscapeIndia]

Thanks so much!

[@naresh00091]

Beautiful sir 🎉

[@EcoscapeIndia]

Thanks so much!

[@chaithrikagk6679]

Very nice sir 😍😍👌👌

[@EcoscapeIndia]

Thanks so much!

[@rsreddy9304]

Super sir🎉🎉🎉

[@EcoscapeIndia]

Thanks so much!

[@selvikumaravel9712]

Maram poo paatu nallarku...om namaha..ithyathaii thirudadhey padam paatu Thendral vandhu theendum podhu Raja sir paatu englishla yaro peasaranga.

[@EcoscapeIndia]

Thanks so much!

[@bharati5855]

Super sir 👌👌🙏

[@EcoscapeIndia]

Thanks so much!