Mast Tree (Polyalthia longifolia), commonly called False Ashok or Debdaru, is a tall, narrow evergreen prized for its elegant columnar form and long, glossy, wavy-edged leaves that hang in graceful drooping tiers. Widely planted across India as a screening, avenue and temple tree, it is valued for its striking architectural shape, wind resistance and ability to create instant privacy and noise buffering in tight spaces. Small greenish star-shaped flowers appear in spring, followed by berries loved by birds. Hardy, low maintenance and adaptable, the Mast Tree is one of the most popular ornamental evergreens in Indian landscaping.
Specifications
| Family |
Annonaceae |
| Native region |
Indian subcontinent and Sri Lanka |
| Mature height |
8-15 m |
| Mature spread |
2-4 m |
| Growth rate |
Moderate |
| Foliage |
Evergreen, long, glossy, drooping wavy leaves |
| Flower colour |
Pale green to yellow-green |
| Flower season |
February-April |
| Climate zone |
Tropical and subtropical |
Care guide
| Sunlight |
Full sun to partial shade |
| Watering |
Moderate; water regularly, tolerates short dry spells |
| Soil / mix |
Well-drained loamy soil, adaptable |
| Temperature |
15-42C; heat tolerant, frost-sensitive |
| Humidity |
Tolerates a wide range |
| Fertilizer |
Balanced NPK or compost once or twice a year |
| Pruning |
Light shaping; tolerates trimming for hedges |
| Repotting |
Young trees suit large pots; best in ground |
| Propagation |
Seeds |
| Pests & problems |
Generally pest-resistant; occasional mealybugs |
| Toxicity / safety |
Low toxicity |
| Difficulty |
Easy |
Uses
A premier screening, privacy and avenue tree for narrow spaces; widely used along boundaries, driveways and temple grounds, and as a wind and noise buffer.
Growing tips
Extremely well adapted to Indian conditions; plant in a row for a fast living screen, give full sun and moderate water, and it will form a tall, tidy column with little care.