PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Thrives in full sun to partial shade; protect from harsh midday sun in hot, arid climates to prevent leaf scorch
Watering
Water deeply when the top 5 cm of soil is dry; avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot
Temperature
Hardy to mild frost; protect from temperatures below 5°C; optimal growth occurs at 15–28°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Opposite, elliptical, glossy dark green leaves with smooth, entire margins
- Flower: Clusters of small, fragrant white or pale pink tubular flowers
- Stem/Bark: Grey-brown smooth bark on young trees; becomes fissured with maturity
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not saturated; apply mulch to retain soil moisture
Fertilization
Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer once at the start of growing season. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prioritize flowering over excessive foliage growth
Composted banana peel tea：Soak fully composted banana peels in water for 3 days, dilute 1:20 for root drench; discard solid debris to prevent pest infestations and odorPruning
- Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter to improve airflow
- Thin crowded inner branches to enhance light penetration to lower foliage
- Shape young trees in early spring to establish a strong, upright canopy structure
- Avoid heavy pruning after flowering to preserve next season's bloom potential
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: Alkaloid content may cause vomiting, lethargy, low blood pressure, tremors if ingested
Humans: Contains reserpine and other alkaloids; ingestion causes hypotension, drowsiness, nausea; sap may irritate skin
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Medinal source of reserpine for hypertension treatment; ornamental shade tree
