PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates mild afternoon shade in hot, arid climates to prevent leaf scorch
Watering
Water deeply when the top 5–10 cm of soil dries out; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
Temperature
Thrives in warm temperate to tropical climates; protect from frost below 10°C to avoid leaf damage
Characteristics
- Leaf: Opposite, pinnately compound leaves with 5–9 elliptic leaflets; glossy dark green, leathery texture
- Flower: Trumpet-shaped, bright golden-yellow blooms in dense terminal clusters; 5–7 cm long
- Stem/Bark: Smooth grey-brown bark when young, developing shallow fissures with maturity
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist during active growth periods
Fertilization
Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer once at the start of growth. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers
Banana peel tea：Soak 2–3 chopped banana peels in 1L of water for 3 days; strain and use the liquid to water the base of the tree to support flower developmentPruning
- Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter to encourage healthy new growth
- Thin overcrowded inner branches to improve air circulation and light penetration
- Trim back spent flower clusters after blooming to maintain a tidy canopy shape
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA does not list this plant as toxic to cats
Humans: No known toxic effects to humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental shade tree for parks and large gardens; nectar source for bees and butterflies
