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
沙羅樹の花は夏に咲く。
The Japanese stewartia blooms in summer.
Sal trees grow naturally in the forests of India.
In Buddhism, the sal tree is considered sacred.
Common name for the Japanese stewartia; more frequently used in everyday language than 沙羅樹.
Specifically refers to the sal tree in Buddhist contexts, often associated with the Buddha's passing.
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.