False Ashoka

The false ashoka is a tall evergreen tree of the custard-apple family with a narrow, pyramidal crown and long, wavy, drooping leaves. Native to South India and Sri Lanka, including Kerala, it is planted widely along avenues and is often confused with the true ashoka tree.

In South Indian folk practice the bark has traditionally been used in general wellness preparations. It should not be substituted for the true ashoka (Saraca asoca) used in classical Ayurvedic formulations.