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The Ashoka Tree & False Ashoka Tree Fuss

Updated: Dec 30, 2024


False ashoka tree at Thome estate

Image of a False Ashoka Tree on the border of Marurui estate and Thome Estate

In this post we will discuss

0.)About Ashoka Tree

1.)About False Ashoka Tree

2.)Myths about the Ashoka

3.)Prices of Ashoka Seeds and Seedlings

4.)How To Plant False Ashoka

5.)Caring for an Ashoka Tree

6.)List of hard to grow Aesthetic Trees




Farmer besides a false ashoka tree for sale in kiambu road

Image of a Farmer besides a false ashoka tree for sale in kiambu road

The India Ashoka Tree and The False Ashoka Tree are not the same thing .The Ashoka Tree is well known as the Saraca asoca. While the False Ashoka is known as Monoon longifolium or by its synonym Polyalthia longifolia




a tall Ashoka Tree seedlings for sale

Image of tall Ashoka Tree seedlings for sale


The Ashoka Tree  is often found in royal palace compounds and gardens as well as close to temples throughout India . The Ashoka flowers are red (initially orange in color). The Ashoka fruits look like broad beans containing multiple seeds .The Ashoka Tree is native to India widely distributed in the rain forest





Ashoka Seedling for sale

Image of Ashoka Seedling for sale


The Ashoka Tree is becoming rarer in its natural habitat, but isolated wild Ashoka trees are still to be found in the foothills of the central and eastern Himalayas .

The False Ashoka is a wind breaker tree, you can plant it next to a wall because it has a taproot .The Ashoka's are dioecious implying that it has both the male and female reproductive organs in separate individuals.


The False Ashoka tree

The False Ashoka planted at school compound

The False Ashoka is native to southern India and Sri Lanka .The False Ashoka is used for ornamental purposes in India and now in other continents .

The false Ashoka fruits are small, spherical and contain only one seed ,now that we know that the False Ashoka is not the Indian Ashoka lets focus more on the False Ashoka plant as its the most common type used in Landscaping



A tall  False Ashoka trees planted along a wall and a blue sky with cabro pavement

Image of False Ashoka Tree planted along the wall




False Ashoka Tree

Image of a False Ashoka Tree

  • My Ashoka Tree is 2 years old and still at 20 cm

  • The Ashoka tree does not grow in your compound unless you are rich

  • I planted 100 Ashoka Trees and they all went down the drain why?

  • When you see the Ashok shedding its leaves ,add a tea spoon of salt in the stem

  • There are two species of Ashok ,a male and female .Males have shade,females font have shade

  • False Ashoka Tree is a tree without character

  • Out of the ten Ashok seedlings I planted in Meru 6 years ago, I got only 1

  • I added sand and little salt to the Ashoka Tree and it has grown quite well in Utawala.

  • My Ashoka is taking long to grow. What is the secret?

  • The Ashoka tree only grows on rich people's compounds,huh?

  • The Ashoka Tree houses snakes in it ,so use snake plant a snake plant next to the tree

  • Mti ya mombasa

  • The Ashoka doesn't love a lot of manure and soil...instead ashoka thrives very well in well drained areas

  • Ashok ,the stubborn but very beautiful tree once it agrees.

  • I have tried planting some Ashoka seedlings but they are not doing well,they are shedding leaves what could be the problem

  • The False Ashoka does very well in coast about other regions I dont know ,would wish to know whether central climate can favour them

  • I saw very big and beautiful Ashok trees in Kirinyaga

  • I planted many of them but they all dried.I guess they don't thrive in cool areas of black cotton soils.I love them though .Is there a solution?

  • There are two types of Ashoka we have the Indian and false

  • The difference between the Ashoka Tree is that one has shade and the other goes straight

  • Ashoka tree prefer warm places .No trick

  • Ashoka take ages to grow or what? I have 3 and they are not progressing

Image of False Ashoka seeds for sale

Image of a False Ashoka seeds collected in Mombasa

There is a lot of debate about Ashok and Lets clear thing up first ,The Ashoka trees are small in height, while false ashoka are taller .So If You are having an Ashoka on your compound and it seems not to be growing taller as you expect kindly check whether your seedling provider gave you the right Ashoka


The False Ashoka seeds are being sold at 2000ksh by a vendor in Mombasa


Image of Ashoka seedlings


2000Ksh per Kilogram

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 While the Seedlings are being sold according to size and also with very many vendors selling the Ashoka seedling we would say that the average cost of an Ashoka seedling is 180ksh but the issue is the tree gets taller with time and also price change with time.


On Average the cost of an Ashoka Seedling is 150Ksh to 200Ksh per feet








  • The tree doesn't love a lot of water and really doesn't love struggling trying to Penetrate the roots through some thick red soil or black cotton.....the case is simple ...plant with 70% sand soil (mchanga ya kujenga )


Image of an Ashoka tree planted on the ground

  • If Planting an Ashoka Tree this is what you have to do If your soil is red or black cotton soil ,did 1 feet hole square then mix with half bucket sand soil and plant the tree..water only twice or thrice a week

According to Caren Muthoni this is how to do your Ashoka to improve the chances of the tree surviving although she refers to it as Ashoka .However some person claim that he planted several Ashoka Trees in Migori and Gem without any sand and two years down the line the trees are doing quite well.


1. Soil Quality

Soil is the foundation for any plant's growth, and False Ashoka is no exception. It thrives in well-draining, loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Stunted growth may occur in soils that are compacted, poorly aerated, or have high salinity levels. Regular soil testing and appropriate amendments can help mitigate this issue.

2. Watering Practices

Over or under-watering can spell doom for the False Ashoka. Inadequate water can lead to drought stress, causing stunted growth. Conversely, excessive watering can lead to root rot, another growth-inhibiting factor. Striking the right balance by watering the tree consistently but not excessively is crucial.

3. Nutrient Deficiency

A lack of essential nutrients, particularly nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, can result in stunted growth. Regular fertilization with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer can provide False Ashoka with the nutrients it needs to flourish.

4. Pruning and Maintenance

Overzealous pruning can harm the tree's growth. It's important to prune only when necessary and with care, so as not to disrupt the natural growth pattern. Additionally, regular maintenance such as removing dead or diseased branches is essential for the tree's overall health and growth.

False Ashoka can fall victim to various pests and diseases, which may weaken the tree and stunt its growth. Common issues include aphids, mealybugs, and root rot. Regular monitoring and prompt treatment can help prevent these problems from becoming severe.

6. Climate and Environmental Stress

Extreme weather conditions, such as prolonged drought or excessive heat, can negatively impact the growth of False Ashoka. Planting in a suitable location and providing shade during hot spells can help mitigate these effects.

When planted in a container or a small space, the tree's roots can become bound or cramped, restricting its growth. Transplanting to a larger space or container, if necessary, can relieve this issue.

8. Competition with Other Plants

If other plants or trees are competing for nutrients, water, and sunlight, Polyalthia longifolia's growth can be hindered. Proper spacing and weeding can alleviate this problem.

Planting the tree at an incorrect depth can hinder its growth. The root flare should be at or slightly above the soil level to prevent issues like root rot.


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