Monoon longifolium (Sonn.) B.Xue & R.M.K.Saunders

Scientific Name: Monoon longifolium (Sonn.) B.Xue & R.M.K.Saunders

Family: Annonaceae

Common Name: Mast Tree , False Ashok

Hindi Name: अशोक

Description: The pendulous branching habit of this 25-foot tree gives it a narrow columnar shape. The long, narrow, glossy green leaves have attractive wavy edges. Ashok is generally considered a towering column, very graceful with its downward sloping branches and glossy green foliage; but sometimes wide twigs grow from the straight trunk, forming a compact, symmetrical crown.  The bark is smooth and dark grey-brown. The flowers appear in March and April. For a short period of time - only two or three weeks - the tree gets covered with a profusion of delicate star-shaped flowers of the palest shade of green, giving the tree a peculiar misty appearance. They grow in clusters of small protrusions along the dark branches. Each flower grows on a slender green stem with a small calyx and six narrow, wavy petals arranged in two groups of three.Each flower grows on a slender green stem with a small calyx and six narrow, wavy petals arranged in two groups of three.

Economic importance: The tree is planted along the boundary walls which increase aesthetic appearance along with serving as a noise pollution barrier. 

Medicinal importance: Known to have analgesic, anti-inflammatory and sedative effects.Some Native American tribes used it to treat headaches, muscle aches and rheumatism.

Cultural Significance: Monoon longifolium has cultural significance to some Native American tribes, who consider it a sacred plant with spiritual and healing properties. It is used in some traditional ceremonies.

Religious significance: It is used in some traditional rituals and ceremonies to purify the mind and spirit.