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Botanical Name: Alangium salviifolium
Common Names: Sage-leaved Alangium, Ankol, Ankoli, Alinji, Dhela, Nalla Uduga
Native to India and parts of Southeast Asia, Alangium salviifolium has long stood as a botanical treasure, not only for its distinctive sage-like leaves but for its vast applications in traditional medicine. Revered in Ayurvedic and folk medicinal systems, this hardy tree has been closely tied to health, spiritual beliefs, and rural livelihoods across generations.
It is commonly referred to as Ankol in the Hindi-speaking regions, Alinji or Alingilai in Tamil Nadu, Ankolamu in Andhra, and Dhela in northern Indian communities.
The tree produces small, purplish berries that ripen between April and June. These fruits, though modest in size (around 1.5 cm), carry a unique tart-acidic flavor, slightly astringent on the palate, making them ideal for digestive tonics and antioxidant-rich preparations. In rural traditions, the fruit is often consumed raw, sun-dried, or incorporated into homemade decoctions.
Despite its humble appearance, the fruit delivers a punch of health-supporting nutrients.
The fruits and other parts of Alangium salviifolium are highly respected in Ayurvedic healing. Here’s why this plant deserves a space in your wellness garden:
Rich in antioxidants – helps reduce oxidative stress in the body.
Supports digestion – the slightly acidic nature is useful for balancing digestive fire.
Anti-inflammatory properties – used to treat joint pains and swellings.
Wound-healing and skin care – traditional poultices made from the bark are applied to cuts and bruises.
Cardiovascular support – extracts from the plant have shown properties beneficial for heart health.
The root, bark, and seeds are also known for their purifying and rejuvenating qualities in several indigenous systems of medicine.
This medium-sized deciduous tree reaches 6 to 12 meters in height and thrives best in tropical and semi-arid regions. It’s a low-maintenance plant, resilient to drought and adaptable to various soil types.
Light: Prefers full sunlight
Water: Moderate watering; drought-tolerant once established
Soil: Well-drained, slightly alkaline to neutral soil
Growth habit: Slender branches with attractive sage-like leaves
Because of its ornamental foliage and healing potential, it serves both as a functional medicinal tree and a landscape accent.
In many parts of India, Alangium salviifolium is associated with sacred rituals. In some traditions, Ankol fruits are offered to Lord Shiva, especially during the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivaratri, symbolizing the connection between the plant and divine healing.
It also plays a role in tribal remedies for snake bites, fever, and respiratory ailments, showing the plant’s historical importance as a household healer in rural communities.
Due to its rising popularity among wellness seekers and traditional medicine enthusiasts, the availability of Alangium salviifolium live plants is now limited at Veliyath Gardens. The growing demand reflects a shift towards natural healing and heritage gardening.
Veliyath Gardens, recognized as an encyclopedia of rare and medicinal fruit plants, is proud to bring this first-time initiative to your home gardens — offering not just plants, but a wealth of knowledge behind each species we nurture.
Bringing home an Alangium salviifolium plant isn’t just about growing a tree — it’s about cultivating centuries of wellness, connecting with ancestral remedies, and enriching your garden with a plant that tells a story of healing, faith, and resilience.
Let this time-honored botanical healer take root in your garden. A rare gem, now within reach — only at Veliyath Gardens.
