Original & ‘false’ Ashoka tree — spot the difference

Polyalthia in Greek means many cures, while longifolia in Latin refers to the length of its leaves. When pruned, the tree is grown in a symmetric fashion and shoots straight up, even over 30feet in height. But if let it be, the pendulous branches of the tree spread and can form a decent canopy for shade.

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While many people pass it off as the Ashoka tree, this is often called as ‘false’ Ashoka, because it bears a resemblance to the Asoka Tree or Saraca Asoka, the ‘sorrowless’ tree.

Saraca Asoka comes with tales of reverence, mythology, fertility, health and happiness.

This tree belongs to the Caesalpiniondeae subfamily of the legume family and holds importance in tradition and religion. A rainforest tree, this tree can be spotted in Sector 16 Rose Garden, Sector 8 Gurdwara and other places.

The Asoka Tree can be differentiated from the False Ashoka by its bigger crown and red blooms that flower from February to April.

Both the trees have their plus points. While the False Ashoka is effective is alleviating noise pollution, its leaves are used in traditional ceremonies and trunk for ship masts. Sita Asoka, as the name suggests dates back to Ramayana, when Sita took shelter under the Asoka tree in captivity.

The Ashoka Vatika is the place where Hanuman met Sita. It is also a symbol of love, a residency of Yaksha, a tree under which Lord Buddha was born and a tree that has healing powers, especially for women.

The Saraca Asoka has been categorised as a vulnerable species as it is getting rarer.

However, the Mast Tree is fast growing and found in abundance. If anyone is looking for positive energy at home, plant the Saraca Asoka