PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Requires full sun to partial shade; tolerates brief drought once established
Watering
Water deeply but infrequently; allow soil to dry between waterings to avoid root rot
Temperature
Thrives in warm temperate to tropical climates; sensitive to frost below 10°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Pinnately compound, 10–20 cm long; leaflets oval, glossy dark green above, pale beneath
- Flower: Small, fragrant pale yellow to white pea-like blooms in axillary racemes
- Stem/Bark: Mature bark is dark brown, fissured; wood is dense, dark purple-brown with fine grain
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist during active growth periods
Fertilization
Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer once at the start of growth. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent excessive foliage growth at the expense of wood development
Composted banana peel tea：Compost banana peels for 2–3 months to break down fully, steep in water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20 with water for root drenching; avoid raw peels to prevent pest attractionPruning
- Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter to early spring before new growth emerges
- Thin overcrowded canopy branches to improve airflow and light penetration throughout the tree
- Shape lightly to maintain desired canopy form; avoid heavy pruning as it can stress mature trees
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats
Humans: No known toxic effects to humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Valued globally for its dense, dark wood used in fine furniture, musical instruments, and decorative veneers
Usage: Timber production, ornamental shade tree, nitrogen-fixing agroforestry species to improve soil health
