General Information :

• Michelia champaca is an evergreen small to medium-sized tree.
• Crown conical to cylindrical

Distribution :

• Exotic Species introduced to India

Habitat : Tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests

Soil : Requires deep and fertile soils

Altitude :200–2400 m( MSL)

Rainfall :500-1500 mm

Temperature : 7-38 °C

Terrain : Occurs in hilly slopes and grass lands of shoals.

Tree Characteristics :

• The tree is a light demander and is susceptible to fire; it coppices well.

Habit : Evergreen tree

Natural Regeneration :

•  Natural regeneration is poor.

Artificial Regeneration :

• Propagation through nursery raised seedlings.

Seed collection and Storage :

• Seeds are collected from August- September.
• 10 000-29 500 seeds/kg.
• Seed viability can be maintained at room temperature for about 7 months 

Seed Treatment :

• No Seed Treatment is necessary.

Nursery Technique :

• Seeds are sown in mother beds which are well drained and under shade.
• Germination starts within 15-20 days of sowing.
• The one year old seedlings can be transplanted into field

Plantation technique :

• Planting is done at the onset of monsoon.
• The land is prepared by loosening the soil through ploughing
• Pit size 30 cm3 and Spacing  3x 3 m .

Care & Disease Control :

• Since it is an ornamental tree can be maintained by periodical pruning

Irrigation :

• For proper growth and survival it is necessary to give one or two waterings after planting.
• This is specifically required in arid regions.
• Higher survival rate and better rate of growth is reported when soil and water conservation measures are also adopted.

Recommended Harvest :

10 to 15 years

Yield :

• The annual increment of 20- 25 cu m/ha during the 1st 10 years are possible

Major uses :

Essential oil:

• Flowers yield an essential oil used in perfumery. 

Fodder: 

• Leaves are fed to silkworms.

Fuel:

•  The gross energy value of the heartwood is about 21070 kJ/kg and the tree is used as fuelwood.                                                                     

Ornamental:

• Planted as a wayside tree, and near temples for ornamental.