PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates coastal sun exposure and salt spray
Watering
Water deeply and infrequently; drought-tolerant once established
Temperature
Hardy to 10°C; prefers warm, subtropical climates; avoid prolonged frost exposure
Characteristics
- Leaf: Small, leathery, dark green oblong leaves; arranged in dense clusters at branch tips
- Flower: Tiny, creamy-white, fragrant flowers in axillary spikes
- Stem/Bark: Smooth, gray-brown bark; branching creates a dense, rounded canopy
Care Guide
Watering
Water deeply every 7–10 days during dry spells
Fertilization
Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer once. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent excessive foliage growth at the expense of canopy shape
Eggshell powder top-dress：Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle 1–2 tbsp around the base of the tree; water in to release calcium slowlyPruning
- Prune in late winter to maintain the desired rounded canopy shape
- Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
- Trim lower branches gradually to raise the canopy height for pedestrian clearance
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: No documented toxicity to cats
Humans: No documented toxicity to humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Symbolizes urban resilience and cooling shade in coastal communities
Usage: Ornamental shade tree for parks, streetscapes, and residential yards; salt-tolerant for coastal planting
