Mast Tree, Ashoka

Polyalthia longifolia (Sonn.) Thw.  ‘Pendula’

polly-AL-thee-ah lonj-eh-FOAL-ee-ah PEN-duu-lah

Annonaceae

Explanation of name:  Generic name probably:

From the Greek name Αλθαια (Althaia), perhaps related to Greek αλθος (althos) "healing". In Greek myth she was the mother of Meleager. Soon after her son was born she was told that he would die as soon as a piece of wood that was burning on her fire was fully consumed. She immediately extinguished the piece of wood and sealed it in a chest, but in a fit of rage many years later she took it out and set it alight, thereby killing her son. http://www.behindthename.com/php/view.php?name=althea.  

Poly means many. Longifolia means long-leaved, and pendula means dangling.

Natural range: India

Recognition: Extremely narrow tree with long, narrowly lanceolate leaves on dangling branches. Flowers green, with long narrow petals, fragrant.

Landscape uses:  Novelty with narrow vertical Growth form and fragrant flowers.