Arjuna
Terminalia arjuna
📖 About this plant
Terminalia arjuna (Arjuna or ‘Kaha’/’Kau’ in Odia) is a large evergreen tree of the Combretaceae family, naturally found along river banks in India. The tree is one of the most important cardio-protective plants in Ayurvedic medicine — the bark contains triterpenoid saponins (arjunolic acid) that strengthen cardiac muscle, regulate blood pressure, and reduce cholesterol. Modern clinical trials have confirmed its efficacy in congestive heart failure. The tree has distinctive smooth pale-grey bark that exfoliates in flat flakes. Wood is used for agricultural implements and boats. The tree is also planted along river banks for erosion control.
🧑🌾 Care requirements
Full sun
Regular; moderately drought-tolerant
Moderate to high
15-38°C
Well-draining loam; prefers riverine alluvium
Compost annually
📋 Plant facts
- 🌍 Origin
- India, Sri Lanka
- 📏 Max height
- 20-25 m
- 📐 Spread
- 8-12 m
- 🕰️ Bloom time
- Spring (small yellowish-white flowers in spikes)
- 🎨 Bloom color
- Yellowish-white
- 🍃 Foliage color
- Evergreen dark green
- ⏳ Lifespan
- 100+ years
- 📈 Growth rate
- Moderate
- ☠️ Toxicity
- Non-toxic (medicinal use)
- 🌱 Propagation
- Seeds, root suckers
🛡️ Health & Safety
Non-toxic (medicinal use)
Common issues
- Leaf spot, termite, stem borer
💡 Care tips
- Plant in full sun near water source. Bark is harvested sustainably — make vertical strips rather than girdling the tree.
