Trees of Mumbai - The Mast Tree

Mast Tree

It's a common sight along footpaths, inside building compounds and gardens.
The beauty of the tree is its elegant pyramidal appearance. The branches,
instead of spreading out, remain close to the trunk in drooping condition.
Clusters of small flowers appear in February and March, but they remain
hidden in foliage. The fruit bunches are initially green but turn purple
when ripe during August-September. They attract bats. The leaves serve as
larval food for the Tailed Jay and Swallowtail butterflies seen all over the
city. Asopalav leaves are somewhat aromatic and are used for making arches
called 'toran' for auspicious occasions. The tree is also considered sacred
and therefore planted near temples.

Publication:Times Of India Mumbai; Date:Feb 28, 2007; Section:Times City;
Page Number:6

URL :
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=VE9JTS8yMDA3LzAyLzI4I1BjMDA2MDY=&Mode=HTML&Locale=english-skin-custom