PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates dappled shade in intense tropical heat
Watering
Water deeply when the top 15 cm of soil dries out; drought-tolerant once fully established
Temperature
Thrives in warm tropical to subtropical temperatures; avoid frost below 10°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Opposite, leathery elliptical leaves with prominent midrib; glossy dark green upper surface
- Flower: Small, fragrant white/cream clusters with five petals per bloom
- Stem/Bark: Smooth gray-brown bark; branching forms a broad, rounded canopy
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist during active growth periods
Fertilization
Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer once. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowering
Composted banana peel tea：Soak fully composted banana peels in water for 24 hours; dilute 1:20 for root drench; discard solid peels to avoid pest infestationsPruning
- Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter to maintain canopy shape
- Thin dense inner growth to improve airflow and light penetration
- Limit heavy pruning; only trim to control size or remove problematic branches
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: No listed toxicity to cats
Humans: No documented toxic effects to humans from typical exposure
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental shade tree; durable wood for construction; traditional medicinal uses of resin extracts
