Mast Trees for Sale
Mast Trees are a spectacular choice when you need a vertical accent for a client’s landscape. They are well-suited to USDA Zones 10a to 11 and the warmest areas of Zone 9b, and we have them for sale at Palmco!
The Mast Tree or False Ashoka
The beautiful Mast Tree, or Polyalthia longifolia “Pendula,” is also called the False Ashoka because it’s often mistaken for the sacred Indian Asoka or Ashoka tree (Saraca indica), which has similar foliage but is not related. Other names for the Mast Tree include Buddha Tree, Weeping Mast Tree and Indian Fir Tree.
A native of India and Sri Lanka, the Mast Tree belongs to the Annonaceae family, one of the largest families of flowering tropical plants and trees. Its better-known relatives include the Custard Apple (Annona reticulata), Soursop (Annona muricata), and Ylang-Ylang (Cananga odorata).
Features of the Mast Tree:
- Elegant vertical column-like form
- Evergreen ornamental foliage
- Suitable for narrow spaces
- Moderate growth rate
- Tolerates direct sun to partial shade
- Average watering requirements
- Easy to maintain
- Drought tolerant
- Salt tolerant
- No notable pest threats
Mast Trees are not very cold-tolerant, and we recommended them for areas south of coastal Hillsborough County on Florida’s west coast and Indian River County on the east coast.
They perform best in full to partial sun and in rich, well-drained clay, loam or sandy soils. Young plants need protection from winds, but, once mature, the trees are remarkably flexible and will bend like bamboos in a storm.
Once a year in the spring, Polyalthia longifolia blooms with fragrant star-like pale green flowers that typically last for two to three weeks and attract bees, birds and butterflies. This is followed by clusters of fruit that start out green but ripen to purple or black.
How to Use Mast Trees
Mast Trees are excellent substitutes for the Italian Cypress, which seems to dislike Florida’s abundant rain and high humidity. They are fast growing (to 30 to 45 feet) and need space to stretch out (to a full-grown width of 4 to 5 feet).
The leaves of the Mast Tree change from light green to a coppery brown color and eventually to a shiny dark green. They remain on the tree in all seasons, almost completely covering the trunk, and the natural color contrast makes a spectacular show when the trees are planted in groups.
The plant’s unusual, symmetrical form make it an excellent choice for color for screening, when closely spaced. Consider them to line an avenue or driveway, as tall hedges, as architectural accents, and as privacy, noise and wind screens.
In the right location, the Mast Tree makes a striking statement. It’s drought-tolerant and suitable for xeriscaping. It’s also remarkably flexible; during storms, mature trees will bend like bamboos.
You will find the healthiest wholesale Mast Trees for sale at Palmco, where they’ve been nurtured in our warm, fertile environment. Be sure to also check out our stock of some of the most impressive palms, clumping bamboos, and field-grown and containerized trees in the world. Contact us Monday thru Friday from 8-5pm at (239) 283-1329 or (855) GO-PALMCO to learn more.
