Family: Annonaceae

The mast tree has a dense, upright crown, that reaches 35 feet in height. Native to India, the mast tree thrives in Hawaii. It has a symmetrical appearance, a weeping column of beautiful foliage, and is perfect for a formal garden.  The compound leaves flush with a coppery color, much like Saraca trees, one common name is False Ashoka. It is planted near temples as a sacred tree, and the leaves are used in decorations and garlands. Star-like flowers are sweet-smelling, although they don’t last very long. Pollinators often visit this tree.

It is an excellent noise and wind barrier—plant in full sun for optimal growth. When provided the right growing conditions, the Mast tree is drought-tolerant, low maintenance, and fast-growing. 

Medicine, small wood products, fiber, and ship masts are made from the tree.

Plant Uses:

• Hedge
• Medicinal
• Ornamental
• Privacy / screening
• Windbreak

Plant Dangers:

• No dangers

High Risk Traits:

• Intentionally dispersed by people (ornamental street tree)
  
• Unintentionally dispersed in trafficked areas
  
• Bird-dispersed propagules
  
• Propagules survive gut passage (bats)
  
• Produces viable seed

Low Risk Traits:

• Not naturalized beyond native range
  
• No weedy forms or agricultural/environmental weed risk
  
• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• Not allelopathic, parasitic, or toxic
  
• Not shade tolerant
  
• No vegetative reproduction
  
• Slow-growing (4+ years to maturity)
  
• No wind, water, or external animal dispersal
  
• Not a prolific seed producer
  
• No persistent seed bank