FALSE ASHOKA TREE
a. Vernacular
name: Debadaru gos (Ass.)
b. Scientific
name: Manoon longifolium Syn. Polyalthia longifolia
c. IUCN red list
category: least concerned
d. Systematic
position:
i. Kingdom: Plantae
ii. Division: Angiospermae
iii. Class: Dicotyledonae
iv. Order: Magnoliales
v. Family: Annonaceae
vi. Genus: Monoon
vii. Species: M. longifolium (Sonn.) B. Xue & R.M.K. Saunders.
e. Geographical Distribution: The False Ashoka tree is widely
distributed across various regions of India, adapting well to diverse
climates, from tropical to subtropical. Its presence can be observed in states
like Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and parts of the northeastern
states.
f. Morphology
of the Plant: It is a evergreen
tree, known to grow over 20 m in height. It
exhibits symmetrical pyramidal growth with willowy weeping pendulous branches
and long narrow lanceolate leaves with undulate margins. Young leaves have a coppery brown
pigmentation; as the leaves grow older, the colour becomes a light green and,
finally, a dark green. The leaves are lanceolate and have wavy edges. The
leaves are larval food plant of the tailed
jay and
the kite
swallowtail butterflies. In spring, the tree is covered with
delicate star-like pale green flowers. The flowering period lasts for a short
period, usually two to three weeks. Fruit is borne in clusters of 10–20,
initially green but turning purple or black when ripe. these are eaten by birds
such as the Asian koel, fruit bats
etc.
g. Uses:
The leaves are used for ornamental decoration during festivals. The wood is
mostly used for manufacturing small articles such as pencils, boxes,
matchsticks, etc. The oil of the seed has been confirmed to possess
anti-oxidant and antimicrobial (against various microbe strains) activities,
among others. It is known as to promote appetite. The stem bark has
antitumor activities. It has glucose lowering activity.
