Schleichera Oleosa

Schleichera oleosa, known as kusum or Ceylon oak, is a substantial tropical Asian tree with a broad crown and handsome pinnate foliage. New leaves emerge in vivid copper, red or purple before turning glossy green, while small greenish-yellow flowers are followed by round fruits. The seeds yield kusum oil, traditionally used for lighting, soap and hair care, and the tree is an important host for lac insects. Fast growing in warmth and valuable as shade and timber, it makes an impressive long-term conservatory specimen from seed.