Alstonia spectabilis
Hard alstonia · Hard cheesewood · Hard milkwood · Milky yellowwood
Description
Source: wikipedia (CC BY-SA)Alstonia spectabilis, commonly known as bitterbark, yellowjacket, milky yellowwood, leatherjacket, jackapple, hard milkwood or hard cheesewood, is a medium-sized species of tree in the dogbane family. It is native to eastern Malesia, Melanesia and northern Australia.
🌳 Blackboard tree has attracted attention for its potential as a natural air purifier. Because of its large leaf canopy and ability to absorb pollutants, it is incorporated into urban greening projects designed to reduce environmental pollution. The blackboard tree's versatile uses beyond timber and traditional medicine make it a candidate for tackling rising air pollution in congested cities, presenting it as an eco-friendly asset.
Care Guide
💧 Water
☀️ Light Partial sun
Blackboard tree needs a location with abundant sunlight to develop vigorously. Native to a region with intense sun and heat, it does very well under those conditions. Excessive shade inhibits its growth, while ample sunshine increases its vigor; however, too much exposure can result in sunscald.
🌡️ Temperature 20–35°C
The Blackboard tree is indigenous to areas where temperatures typically range from 68 to 95°F (20 to 35°C). It prefers warmer climates with steady temperatures. If located in colder regions, consider providing warm shelter or indoor care during the harsh winter months.
💨 Humidity
🪴 Soil 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer
The timing of fertilizing a Blackboard tree is important. Apply fertilizer in early spring and continue monthly until early summer. Fertilizer encourages attractive blooms and supplies energy during both dormant and active growth phases.
🪴 Pot & Repot 2-3 years
When repotting a Blackboard tree, select a pot 1-2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) larger that offers good drainage. Use a well-draining potting mix. Repot in spring or fall, making sure the root ball sits slightly below the rim of the pot. Water thoroughly after repotting and place the plant in a warm spot with indirect sunlight.
✂️ Pruning
🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity
Characteristics
- Plant Type
- Tree
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Alstonia
- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 9
- Mature Height
- 20.12 m
- Mature Spread
- 3.35 m
- Leaf Color
- Green
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen, Semi-evergreen
- Flower Color
- White, Cream
- Flower Size
- 0.51 cm to 1.02 cm
- Bloom Time
- Early spring, Mid spring, Late summer, Fall, Winter
- Planting Time
- Spring, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer
- Native Area
- Nepal, Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia, Philippines, Bangladesh, Laos, Brunei, China, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Bhutan, Thailand