Indian Cork
Millingtonia hortensis
Local / Vernacular name: ଆକାଶ ମଲ୍ଲୀ
Key Facts
Genus
Millingtonia
Species
hortensis
Origin
Unknown
Conservation Status
Not evaluated
Campus Zone
XIM University Campus
About this Tree
XIM University campus biodiversity register (2026–27). Recorded individuals: 2; abundance rank: 38.
Leaf habit: The Indian cork tree is semi-deciduous to deciduous in nature. It sheds its leaves seasonally, especially during dry periods, and produces new foliage with the onset of favorable conditions.
Flowers / Fruits: The tree produces long, tubular, white flowers that are extremely fragrant and bloom mainly at night. These flowers grow in large clusters and attract nocturnal pollinators like moths. The fruit is a flat, elongated capsule containing numerous thin, winged seeds that are easily dispersed by wind.
Native range: nan
The Indian cork tree contributes significantly to local ecosystems by providing shade, shelter, and nesting sites for birds and insects. Its fragrant flowers attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and moths, helping maintain pollination networks. The tree also helps in improving air quality, moderating temperature in urban areas, and supporting microhabitats for small organisms. Its leaf litter adds organic matter to the soil, improving soil fertility.
In traditional medicine, different parts of the Indian cork tree are used for their healing properties. The leaves, bark, and flowers are believed to possess anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. They are used in folk remedies to treat asthma, sinus problems, fever, skin diseases, and wounds. Though widely used in traditional systems, scientific validation of all these medicinal claims is still ongoing.
The Indian cork tree is valued for its ornamental and aesthetic importance. Its highly fragrant white flowers bloom at night and fall by morning, making it popular in gardens and temple premises. In some cultures, the flowers are offered in prayers and religious ceremonies. The wood, being light and soft like cork, is sometimes used for making small items, toys, and packing materials.
Related Trees
Other trees in the same family on campus
