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Ashoka
There is an Ashoka tree by Weiyuan Lake in Chung Chi Chi College. Planted in 1997, it is the only one at the University and one of very few in the territory. The Ashoka tree, a Caesalpiniacea originating in India, was introduced into China in the 1950s by Guangzhou・s South China Botanical Garden. When the tree flowers in April or May, clusters of golden petals sparkle on its crown, emanating a lovely fragrance. A precious plant, the tree・s name ．Ashoka・ means ．without sorrow・ in Sanskrit. According to the Buddhist sutra, Buddha was born under an Ashoka tree. The bark of the tree is believed to have medicinal value. In India, it is used to treat postnatal depression, menstrual pain and uterine bleeding in woman. The correlation between the story of Buddha・s nativity and the tree・s medicinal properties would make a fascinating research topic. Extracted from 'CUHK Campus --- Trees on Campus',
Chinese University Bulletin Spring/Autumn 2005
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