also: しゃらじゅ
A deciduous tree native to Japan, known for its camellia-like flowers and attractive bark. Often called 夏椿 (natsutsubaki) in everyday contexts.
See also: 夏椿
I planted a Japanese stewartia in the garden.
sal tree; saul
A large tree native to South Asia, valued for its timber and religious significance in Buddhism. Often referred to as 娑羅双樹 (sharasōju) in Buddhist contexts.
See also: 沙羅双樹
The Japanese stewartia blooms in summer.
Sal trees grow naturally in the forests of India.
In Buddhism, the sal tree is considered sacred.
Common spelling for the Japanese stewartia; also used for the sal tree.
Rare reading; しゃらじゅ is an alternative pronunciation.
Alternate kanji spelling; 娑 is less common than 沙.
Rare reading with alternate kanji.
沙羅 is a phonetic rendering of the Sanskrit 'sāla' (sal tree). The kanji 沙羅 are used for their sound, not meaning. The reading さらじゅ is the more common Japanese adaptation; しゃらじゅ reflects a closer approximation of the original Sanskrit.