PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Requires full sun for abundant flowering; tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer blooms
Watering
Water deeply when the top 5–10 cm of soil dries out; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
Temperature
Thrives in warm tropical to subtropical temperatures; protect from frost below 10°C to prevent leaf damage
Characteristics
- Leaf: Pinnately compound, 15–30 cm long; 6–12 pairs of oblong, glossy green leaflets
- Flower: Bright yellow, fragrant, clustered in terminal racemes; 5 rounded petals per bloom
- Stem/Bark: Smooth gray-brown bark when young; becomes fissured and rough with age
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; increase frequency during hot, dry spells
Fertilization
Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer once monthly to support new growth. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers
Banana peel compost tea：Use fully composted banana peels, dilute 1:25 with water for root drench; avoid raw peels to prevent pest infestations and odorPruning
- Remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches in late winter before new growth emerges
- Thin overcrowded inner branches to improve airflow and light penetration
- Prune after flowering to maintain a compact, desired canopy shape
- Remove suckers growing from the base to prevent unwanted spreading
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; contains anthraquinones that cause gastrointestinal distress
Humans: Ingestion of large quantities may cause nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps due to anthraquinone compounds
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Used in traditional Southeast Asian medicine for mild laxative properties; planted as a shade and ornamental street tree
Usage: Ornamental landscape tree, nitrogen-fixing soil improver, limited medicinal use (regulated)
