Common Name Ankol, Akol
Botanical Name Alangium salviifolium
Local Name
Native/Non Native Native
Origin Native to India, SE Asia, S China and Phillipines
Location at Holy Family Church Near the sacristy


(These photographs are authentic captures from the Holy Family Church campus, portraying the scenic splendour of the place.)

The botanical name Alangium is latinized from the Malayalam name Alangi.

The tree has a short trunk and seldom completely sheds its leaves. It flowers extravagently in March-April, with white fragrant flowers on bare branches. The fruit is a dark red berry, fruits in June-July, with a white jelly like pulp inside.

The root bark is valued in Indian medicine as a cure for skin ailments and an antidote for snake-bite. The leaves are made into curry to cure joint pains.

The wood is hard, tough and close-grained and is valuable as fuel.

The flowers are bird and bee pollinated. The birds that feed on the fruits are common myna (Acridotheres tristis), babblers (Turdoides sp) and rose-ringed parakeets (Psittacula krameri).

This tree can be found throughout India, except Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh.

IMPORTANT: The information on this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference books. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Readers should always consult their physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes.


--- Click here for information about other trees on Holy Family Church campus ---