False Ashoka Tree Vs Ashoka Tree

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Last Updated: 13.12.2023
Utkarsh Shukla
Written by
Utkarsh Shukla, a journalism student at IIMC, Delhi, is on a mission to share his passion for fitness and nature through gardening. With a deep family background in botany and over 200 gardening articles, he simplifies the science of plants. Utkarsh turns gardening into engaging and educational adventures, aiming to inspire a love for the natural world in his readers.

Want to know the difference between False Ashoka Tree Vs. Ashoka Tree and figuring out how to distinguish between the two, then you’re at the right place!

Ashoka tree, also known as ‘Sorrow less’ tree, is erect and evergreen, thanks to its big crown, glossy green leaves, and fragrant red flowers that make it aesthetically stunning. According to the Hindu religion, Saraca Asoca belongs to the Deccan plateau and Western ghats of the Indian continent. Whereas, False Asoka is tall and erect and has a resemblance to the Ashoka tree. Growing up to 30-40 feet in height, this tree is native to Sri Lanka and India. The architectural shape of false Ashoka is reminiscent of a pyramid shape. Let’s have a detailed look at False Ashoka Tree Vs. Ashoka Tree.

Ashoka Tree Scientific Name: Saraca asoca

False Ashoka Tree Scientific Name: Polyalthia longifolia

Check out our article on popular deciduous trees in India here. 


Difference between Ashoka Tree and False Ashoka Tree

  • Ashoka tree is shorter and attains 20-27 feet, whereas false Ashoka is taller and can grow up to 30-45 feet.
  • Ashoka tree produces a cluster of fragrant, orange flowers from February to April that turns into deep red later. Whereas, false Ashoka bears pale green-colored, starry flowers during spring that lasts for two to three weeks only.
  • Alternately arranged leaves of Ashoka tree are deep green in color with pale green undersides. Whereas the leaves of the false Ashoka tree have a lance-like shape and wavy border. The color is coppery red, turning into pale green, and finally into deep green.
  • From May to July, the Ashoka tree produces large fruits with multiple seeds. Whereas a false Ashoka tree bears small, rounded, green fruits with just one seed inside that eventually turns into purple-black after ripening.

Indian Mythology behind Ashoka Tree

In Buddhism, it is said that Queen Maya of Sakya gave birth to Lord Buddha under the vicinity of the Ashoka tree. Yakshi under the Ashoka tree, these monuments finds great significance in Buddhist literature. According to the Hindu religion, in Ramayan Mahakavya, Sita was captive at the Ashoka Vatika in Sri Lanka. Ashoka tree is also famous as a ‘Sorrow-less‘ tree as people believe it heals all the sorrows.


False Ashoka Tree and Ashoka Tree Benefits

False Ashoka tree is highly appreciated in India due to its property of reducing noise pollution from the surroundings. People use the leaves for decorating purposes in various cultural festivals.

The Ashoka tree is famous for its ornamental as well as medicinal properties. The bark of this tree is useful for skin treatment, and various cosmetic manufacturing industries use it. This tree has an anti-dotal, stimulating effect and analgesic properties, which heal various ailments related to the reproductive and digestive system.

Have a glance at How to Grow Silver Oak Tree here

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