PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates mild shade but produces denser foliage in full sun
Watering
Water deeply when the top 5 cm of soil is dry; avoid standing water to prevent root rot
Temperature
Hardy to mild frost (down to 5°C); thrives in temperate to warm subtropical climates
Characteristics
- Leaf: Leathery, elliptical to oblong leaves; glossy dark green upper surface, pale green underside with visible venation
- Flower: Small, creamy-white, star-shaped blooms in axillary clusters with faint sweet scent
- Stem/Bark: Thick, grey-brown bark with rough, fissured texture; milky latex sap present in stems and leaf veins
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist during active growth; supplement with deep watering during dry spells
Fertilization
Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer once at the start of growing season. Avoid over-fertilization to prevent excessive foliage growth at the expense of canopy structure
Composted coffee grounds tea：Use only fully composted coffee grounds; dilute 1:25 with water for root drench; avoid applying directly to foliagePruning
- Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter to maintain canopy shape
- Thin overcrowded inner branches to improve air circulation and light penetration
- Avoid heavy pruning as growth is slow; trim only to control size or remove diseased growth
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: No listed toxicity to cats
Humans: No documented systemic toxic effects to humans; milky sap may cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental shade tree for gardens and urban landscapes; dense wood used for small craft projects
