also: しゃらそうじゅ
sal tree; Shorea robusta
Refers to the sal tree native to the Indian subcontinent. In Japanese, it is often encountered in Buddhist contexts, as the tree under which the Buddha is said to have passed away.
The sal tree is considered an important tree in Buddhism.
Japanese stewartia; Stewartia pseudocamellia
In Japan, the name 沙羅双樹 is often applied to the native Japanese stewartia (also called 夏椿), which has similar-looking flowers. This usage is common in gardening and literature.
See also: 夏椿
I planted a Japanese stewartia in the garden.