In Asia, the Sal tree is often confused with the Couroupita guianensis or cannonball tree, a tree from tropical South America introduced to Asia by the British in the 19th century.
The cannonball tree has since then been planted at Buddhist and Hindu religious sites in Asia in the belief that it is the tree of sacred scriptures. In Sri Lanka, Thailand and other Theravada Buddhist countries it has been planted at Buddhist monasteries and other religious sites. In India the cannonball tree has been planted at Shiva temples and is called Shiv Kamal or Nagalingam since its flowers are said to resemble the hood of a Nāga (divine cobra) protecting a Shiva lingam. An example of a cannonball tree erroneously named 'Sal tree' is at the Pagoda at the Royal Palace of Phnom Penh in Cambodia.
In Japan the Sal tree of Buddhist scriptures is identified as the deciduous camellia (Stewartia pseudocamellia), called shāra, from Sanskrit śāla.
The Sal tree is also said to be confused with the Ashoka tree (Saraca indica).
Material:
- Nib pen
- Sumi or liquid Indian ink
- Custom stained-paper
- Ayous/Abachi wood frame
- Aluminium Composite Panel (ACP) backing sheet
Artwork dimensions: 5.8” x 8.3”
Overall framed size: 7.6”x 9.8”x 1.5”
