There has been considerable confusion, especially in the literature[], between Stereospermum chelonoides (L.f.) DC. (often also known as Stereospermum suaveolens (Roxb.) DC); and Stereospermum tetragonum DC. (also known as Stereospermum colais (Buch.-Ham. ex Dillwyn) Mabb. & Stereospermum personatum (Hassk.) Chatterjee). This confusion continues to the present day, even to the extent of the same photograph being used to illustrate the two different species[].
It would seem that when the synonym Stereospermum suaveolens is used it refers to Stereospermum chelonoides, but when Stereospermum chelonoides is used, especially in older literature, it often refers to Stereospermum tetragonum.
The two species are very similar, the main differences include the flowers - those of Stereospermum chelonoides are said to be hairy, dark purple outside, streaked with yellow inside whilst those of Stereospermum tetragonum are glabrous, yellowish on the outside and cream inside[].
We have tried to apply the various reports of usage of these plants into the correct records, though cannot be certain this has been done accurately. However, some of the literature on their medicinal applications say that they can be used interchangeably[].

Common Name: Yellow Snake Tree

General Information

Stereospermum tetragonum is a deciduous tree usually growing around 15 - 20 metres tall, occasionally reaching up to 35 metres. The long, straight bole can be 15 - 25cm in diameter, exceptionally to 80cm[, , ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of wood. It is also sold as a medicine in local markets.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, southern China, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia (Sumatra)

Habitat

Forests, slopes; at elevations from 400 - 1,800 metres[]. Dense deciduous forests mixed with bamboo, near streams and, here and there, in secondary formations derived from dense evergreen forests; at elevations around 1,000 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	18.00 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

The Asiatic species of Stereospermum are all deciduous trees that are most often located at lower elevations in the tropics and subtropics, growing in regions with a marked dry season and generally at elevations between 200 - 1,000 metres[].
Species in this genus generally grow best in a sunny position in a fertile, moist, well-drained soil[].
The tree responds well to coppicing[].
The yellow flowers are very fragrant[]. They are used as offerings in temples[].

Edible Uses

Tender young fruit - cooked and eaten as a vegetable[].

Flowers - cooked and used as a vegetable[].

Medicinal

The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India recommends the use of the root in the treatment of lipid disorders[]. A decoction of the root is used in the treatment of asthma and coughs[].

An infusion of the pleasant tasting root, as well as the fragrant flowers, is used as a cooling drink in the treatment of fevers[].

The stem bark is used in the treatment of oedema and retention of urine[].

A decoction of the leaves is used in the treatment of chronic dyspepsia[].

A decoction of the root and leaves is credited with antipyretic properties[].

The bark exhibited antibacterial and antitubercular properties[].
An ethanolic extract of the plant has shown hypoglycaemic and anticancer activity experimentally[].

Other Uses

This is a hard wood of a grey colour, though it has been described as an orange yellow. It is moderately durable, elastic, and easy to work, and is suitable for furniture[].

Propagation

Seed -

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