Polyalthia Longifolia

Polyalthia Longifolia

You may recognize Polyalthia longifolia ‘Pendula’ by other names – Mast Tree, False Ashoka, Buddha Tree or Indian Fir Tree. No matter how you refer to it, the tree is a popular choice of savvy landscape designers who appreciate its versatility as a tropical substitute for Italian Cypress.

Palmco serves the contiguous U.S. from our 600-acre farm in Bokeelia on Pine Island, Florida, providing a wide selection of wholesale FF-grade palms, top-quality bamboos, and spectacular ornamental plants.

We assist landscape contractors, architects and developers with everything they need to beautify a resort, golf course, commercial properties, residential estates and more, by providing large tree transplants and specimen trees throughout the country and worldwide.
Our beautiful specimens include one of the most unique South Florida landscape trees, Polyalthia longifolia “Pendula”, a native of India and Sri Lanka.

What is a Mast Tree?

The Mast Tree (Polyalthia longifolia) is a beautiful evergreen tree that is covered with graceful, shiny pendulous leaves from top to bottom.

“Poly” means “many,” “longifolia” means “long-leafed,” and “pendula” means “pendulous” or “dangling.” Although it may look like this ornamental tree has no branches, the layers of feathery, wavy-edged leaves hang from drooping branches that closely hug the trunk.

The contrast of new, coppery brown leaves, older lime green leaves, and mature, shiny dark green leaves creates a spectacular show. Once a year in spring, fragrant, pale green star-like flowers blossom and last for two to three weeks, attracting bees, butterflies and birds.

Growing and Caring for the Mast Tree

Not terribly cold-tolerant, Mast Trees are best-suited to USDA Zones 10a to 11 and the warmer areas of Zone 9b. We don’t recommend them for areas north of coastal Hillsborough County on Florida’s west coast or Indian River County on the east coast.

Features of the Mast Tree: