The False Ashoka is an evergreen tree grown mostly as an avenue tree. It is a hardy tree that grows between 10 to 20 meters in height (approximately 30 to 65 feet) and is native to India and Sri Lanka.

The new leaves are brownish red that turn dark green as they age. The trees flower between March to May and July to September. The flowers are bisexual and pollinated by insects, but the seeds are dispersed by gravitational pull and human intervention.

Its wood is not very durable and is therefore only used for producing matches, boxes, drum cylinders and packing crates. However, due to its size, its trunk was used to create the masts of sailing ships which is why it is known as the Mast Tree.

Its leaves and bark were also used as an effective method to prevent or reduce fever since various parts of the tree contain anti-cancer, anti-microbial, anti-ulcer, anti-inflammatory and hypotensive (blood pressure reducing) properties. It serves as a host plant (a plant where insects lay their eggs and complete their lifecycle) to a variety of butterflies and other insects.