Family: Meliaceae
Common names: Pithraj tree, Rohituka tree, Chemmaram, Pitraj, Anavallabha, Lohita, Ksharayogya, Semmaram, Lakshmi, Raktharohida, Lakshmivana
I saw this beautiful tree in The University of Trans-Disciplinary Health Sciences and Technology (TDU) in Bangalore, when we went there for a medicinal walk in February 2026.
Normally, I am not fortunate enough to find a tree in full bloom or with fruits, but here, I was right on time. The tree was laden with beautiful pink fruits that had opened up its 3 segments to look like flowers.
And the area was abuzz with activity, small insects and birds that were busy feasting on various parts of the fruits.
Tree Characteristics
Pithraj is a tall evergreen tree native to South and Southeast Asia, especially India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and parts of Thailand. It is commonly found in tropical and subtropical forests where the climate is warm and humid with moderate to heavy rainfall.
In India it often grows in moist deciduous forests and along forest edges, where it forms an attractive shade tree with dense foliage.
Pithraj is a medium to large evergreen tree that can grow about 15–30 meters tall, with a spread of around 8–15 meters. The trunk is usually straight and cylindrical, often reaching 60–90 centimeters in diameter in mature trees.
The bark is grey to brown and slightly rough, sometimes showing shallow cracks as the tree ages. The root system is strong and spreading, helping the tree anchor well in deep soils.
The leaves are compound and arranged alternately along the branches, giving the crown a lush and feathery appearance. Each leaf is about 20–45 centimeters long and carries several glossy leaflets.
The leaflets are oval to lance-shaped, dark green and leathery, around 6–15 centimeters long, with a very distinct drip tip. Young leaves may appear slightly lighter green before maturing into a darker shade.
The tree produces small, greenish-yellow to creamy flowers that grow in long, drooping clusters called panicles. These flower clusters can reach about 20–40 centimeters in length and appear mainly during the warm months.
Although the flowers are not very showy individually, the hanging clusters can be quite noticeable when the tree is in bloom.
After flowering, the tree develops small round fruits that are about 2–3 centimeters in diameter. The fruits are smooth and turn yellowish or orange when mature. Each fruit contains one or a few seeds enclosed in a fleshy covering. Birds and wildlife are often attracted to these fruits.
Gardening Tips
Pithraj grows best in warm tropical climates and prefers full sunlight for healthy growth. While young plants can tolerate partial shade, mature trees develop a fuller canopy when planted in open areas with direct sunlight.
It is suitable for large gardens, parks, and avenue planting because of its height and spreading crown.
The tree prefers well-drained, fertile soils but can adapt to a range of soil types including loamy and slightly sandy soils.
Regular watering is helpful during the early years of growth, especially during dry periods. Once established, the tree becomes moderately drought tolerant and usually survives on natural rainfall in humid regions.
Spacing is important because the tree eventually becomes large. It is best planted at least 8–10 meters away from buildings or other large trees.
The root system is not usually aggressive but still needs space to spread naturally. Mulching around the base can help maintain soil moisture and support steady growth.
Pruning is generally minimal and mostly limited to removing dead or crossing branches. Occasional feeding with organic compost or a balanced fertilizer during the growing season can improve foliage growth.
The tree is fairly hardy but young plants should be watched for common pests such as leaf-eating caterpillars or scale insects.
Uses of Pithraj
Pithraj has several traditional medicinal uses in South Asian herbal practices. Different parts of the tree such as bark, seeds, and leaves have been used in traditional remedies in the treatment of digestive problems, liver disorders, tumors, cold, rheumatism, chest pain, and certain inflammatory conditions.
The wood of the Pithraj tree is moderately hard and durable. It has been used locally for making furniture, small wooden tools, and construction items where medium-strength timber is suitable. The wood is also sometimes used for interior carpentry and rural building work.
The oil obtained from the seed is faintly scented and is used as lubricting oil, for lighting, and also in manufcaturing soaps and cosmetics. Leaf extracts are used as insecticides.
As an ornamental tree, Pithraj is valued for its tall form and dense green canopy. It provides excellent shade and can be planted along roads, in large gardens, or in institutional landscapes.
The long clusters of flowers and glossy foliage add visual interest even though the flowers themselves are not brightly colored.
Ecologically, the tree plays a useful role in supporting wildlife. Birds and small animals feed on its fruits, and the dense canopy provides shelter. In forest ecosystems, it contributes to biodiversity and helps maintain soil stability with its spreading roots.
Propagation
Propagation is through seeds and occasionally through nursery-raised seedlings.
Seeds collected from ripe fruits usually germinate well when sown in moist, well-drained soil. Young seedlings grow better when kept in warm, humid conditions with partial shade during the early stages.
Photographed at: The University of Trans-Disciplinary Health Sciences and Technology (TDU)
