Polyalthia Longifolia

Polyalthia longifolia is a tall, handsome, evergreen tree with astraight trunk, condidered to be a native of the drier parts of Ceylon, very commonly cultivated all over India, in gardens and avenues.  Bark smooth, greyish brown, thick; leaves glossy green, lanceolate with undulate margins; flowers in fascicles, yellowish green; fruit a cluster of small ovoid, purple, I-seeded carpels. There are also forms of this tree with markedly drooping branches.  The tree grows well in moist and warm localities. Propagation is through direct sowing of seeds at site or planting 2-year old seedlings raised in pots or baskets.  The seeds retain their viability for one season only and should be sown in August.  It has been recommended for growing in tall hedges.  It is reported to be subject to die-back disease caused by a species of Phomopsis.  A number of defoliating larvae and a few other insect pests have also been recorded.