PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates dappled light in hot tropical climates, avoid prolonged midday sun exposure
Watering
Water deeply when the top 5 cm of soil dries out; ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot in heavy clay soils
Temperature
Thrives in warm tropical temperatures; cannot tolerate frost or temperatures below 15°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Large, obovate, glossy dark green leaves clustered at branch tips
- Flower: Fragrant white pendulous racemes up to 1 m long with dense, feathery stamens
- Fruit: Ovoid green-to-brown drupe resembling a small mango
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; increase frequency during dry spells
Fertilization
Apply balanced organic fertilizer once monthly. Avoid over-fertilizing, as excessive nutrients can reduce flowering
Banana peel compost tea：Compost banana peels for 2 weeks, steep in water, dilute 1:20 for root drench; do not apply directly to foliage to prevent leaf burnPruning
- Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches in early spring to improve airflow
- Trim overgrown branches to maintain a balanced tree shape after flowering
- Clear fallen fruit and leaves regularly to reduce pest and disease risk
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA-aligned: Seed ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort
Humans: Ingestion of seeds causes oral irritation, nausea, and vomiting; foliage is non-toxic with minimal risk
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental tree for tropical landscapes; seeds are used in limited traditional medicine with strict processing to remove toxins
