PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun exposure is ideal; tolerates partial shade in intensely hot climates
Watering
Water deeply when the top 15 cm of soil dries out; highly drought-tolerant once established
Temperature
Thrives in warm subtropical to tropical climates; sensitive to frost below 10°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Bipinnate compound leaves with small oval leaflets that fold inward at night
- Flower: Fragrant, creamy-white spherical inflorescences clustered at branch tips
- Fruit: Twisted brown pods containing sweet, edible orange pulp surrounding hard black seeds
Care Guide
Watering
Water regularly to support new growth; reduce frequency once roots are established
Fertilization
Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer once to support spring growth. Mature trees rarely need additional fertilization in nutrient-rich soils
Eggshell powder topdressing：Crush thoroughly cleaned eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly around the tree base and mix into the top 2 cm of soil to avoid runoffPruning
- Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter before new growth emerges
- Shape the canopy to maintain desired size and improve air circulation
- Trim suckers growing from the base to prevent overcrowding and redirect energy to the main tree
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA-verified non-toxic to cats
Humans: Non-toxic to humans; edible pulp is safe for consumption when ripe
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Edible pulp used in jams, beverages, and traditional remedies; ornamental shade tree for urban landscapes
