PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates brief drought once established; avoid prolonged deep shade
Watering
Water deeply when top 5–10 cm of soil dries; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
Temperature
Thrives in warm tropical to subtropical climates; sensitive to frost below 10°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Trifoliate, glossy green leaflets with serrated margins; turns yellow in autumn
- Flower: Small, greenish-yellow, unisexual flowers in axillary racemes
- Stem/Bark: Smooth gray-brown bark that becomes fissured with age
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; increase frequency in extreme heat
Fertilization
Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer once. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent excessive foliage growth at the cost of structural strength
Composted banana peel tea：Soak fully composted banana peels in water for 24 hours; dilute 1:20 for root drench to support foliage health and stress tolerancePruning
- Remove dead or diseased branches in late winter to improve airflow
- Thin overcrowded canopy to maintain shape and light penetration
- Prune suckers to prevent excessive spreading from the root system
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; contains compounds that irritate the digestive tract
Humans: Ingestion of large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset including nausea and diarrhea
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental shade tree; wood used for furniture and construction
