False Ashoka Trees for Sale in Florida

Are you intrigued by False Ashoka Trees, also called Mast Trees, and wonder where they can be found? Palmco offers them for sale on Pine Island, Florida!

Established more than 30 years ago in the sleepy community of Bokeelia on Pine Island, Florida, Palmco has more than 600 acres planted with the choicest palms, bamboos and ornamental trees and plants that range from common to exotic. We are dedicated to providing quality plants at reasonable prices to landscape architects and landscapers.

Pine Island is ideal for growing plants due to its location as a barrier island. The surrounding waters keep the temperatures perfect nearly year-round. Palms, bamboo and other plants in this environment tend to reach their highest potential, and our state-of-the-art, fully automated irrigation systems and extensive nutritional programs help us deliver the best selection.

About False Ashoka Trees

False Ashoka, or Polyalthia longifolia “Pendula” (from the Annonaceae family), is also known as the Mast Tree or the Indian Fir. It is native to India and Sri Lanka where it is a very common sight in parks and gardens, especially for screening out noise pollution.

The tree has a tall, slender frame, a smooth bark, and long glossy green leaves that cover it from top to bottom. It’s called the “False” Ashoka because it somewhat resembles the sacred Saraca Asoka (or Ashoka) tree, also known as the “sorrowless” tree.

The Asoka tree can be differentiated from the False Ashoka by its bigger crown and red blooms that flower in the spring. False Ashoka flowers are apple green in color. Ashoka fruits look like broad beans containing multiple seeds, while False Ashoka fruits are small, spherical and contain only one seed. Ashoka trees are small in height, while False Ashoka are tall.

In south Florida, the False Ashoka or Mast tree is an excellent alternative to Italian Cypress, which is prone to spider mites and fungal disorders due to the region’s very humid climate. It is best suited to USDA Zones 10a to 11 and will grow in a narrow vertical form to about 30 to 45 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 4 to 5 feet. It does not require pruning.

Layers of feathery, wavy-edged leaves hang from drooping branches that closely hug the straight, thin trunk. Their colors range from coppery brown when new, to light lime green, to a shiny dark green as they age, offering a spectacular show in your landscape.

In spring, the tree is covered with inconspicuous but fragrant star-like pale green flowers that typically last for two to three weeks. The tree then bears clusters of fruit that are initially green but ripen to purple or black. It is attractive to butterflies and birds.

To get maximum enjoyment from your trees, plant them in full or partial sun in rich clay, loam or sandy soils, and make sure the soil is well-drained. Mature False Ashoka trees are drought-tolerant and are excellent for xeriscaping.

The knowledgeable staff at Palmco can help you make the right choices for your Florida landscape. We have False Ashoka or Mast trees for sale and would be delighted to help you find other spectacular plants that will thrive in your area. Contact us at (239) 283-1329 or (855) GO-PALMCO to discuss your needs.