Thai Name – Pip (ปีบ), Gasalawng (กาสะลอง)
Scientific Name – Millingtonia hortensis
Family Name – Bignoniaceae
Other English Names – Tree jasmine
Flowering Season – September-May
Native to Thailand – Yes
Typical Height – 10-20 meters
The Indian cork tree is a tall, typically rather narrow tree with distinctive long (5-10cm) white fragrant flowers that bloom straight out and then later hang down. At a quick glance the flowers appear to have four petals, but it’s actually five with two of the petals being a bit smaller than the others and growing together as a pair. Because the flower was formerly used in some medicines, and because it’s white like their uniforms, it is the symbol of Thai nurses. It’s also the provincial tree of Chiang Rai and Phitsanulok. Though it’s not nearly as good as the real thing, the bark can be used like cork.
4 thoughts on “Flowering Trees of Thailand – Indian Cork Tree”
Very messy tree. Drops massive amounts of leaves and flowers every day.
Very generous tree to give us som
Pleasant fragrance
Common tree here in Udon Thani, also a whole row of them near Central. Its a beautiful tree and favorite with local bird wildlife.
I know this flower thanks to the famous lakorn of CH3 “Klin Kasalong.” I wonder if what is the meaning of this flower in Thai culture. Thank you very much.