PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates coastal salt spray; avoid prolonged intense midday sun in arid regions
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but well-drained; avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot
Temperature
Thrives in tropical and subtropical temperatures; cannot tolerate frost below 10°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Simple obovate leaves in whorls of 3–4; glossy dark green, up to 30 cm long
- Flower: Fragrant white tubular flowers with pink/red centers; clustered in terminal cymes
- Fruit: Ovoid green fruit turning yellow-orange when ripe; mango-like appearance with highly toxic seeds
Care Guide
Watering
Water deeply 2–3 times weekly to maintain even soil moisture
Fertilization
Apply balanced diluted fertilizer every 4 weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent leaf burn and excessive vegetative growth
Banana peel liquid fertilizer：Chop banana peels, soak in water for 3 days, dilute 1:10 with water for root drench; discard solids to avoid pest infestationsPruning
- Wear protective gloves to avoid contact with toxic sap during all pruning tasks
- Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches in early spring to maintain canopy shape
- Thin crowded branches to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
- Avoid pruning during active flowering to preserve bloom production
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Highly toxic; ingestion leads to vomiting, diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, seizures, potential fatality
Humans: Contains cardiac glycosides in all parts; ingestion causes life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia and organ failure
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental coastal landscaping; wood used for crafts after toxic sap removal
