PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; highly tolerant of coastal salt spray and windy conditions
Watering
Water deeply but allow the top 5–10 cm of soil to dry between waterings; drought-tolerant once established
Temperature
Thrives in warm tropical to subtropical temperatures; cannot tolerate frost or prolonged temperatures below 10°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Heart-shaped, glossy green, 7–18 cm long; alternate arrangement with pointed tips
- Flower: Cup-shaped, 7–10 cm wide; yellow petals that fade to reddish-pink as they mature
- Stem/Bark: Smooth grey-brown bark; young stems covered in fine, soft hairs
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist during active growth periods
Fertilization
Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer once at the start of growth. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers
Composted banana peel tea：Fully compost banana peels first, then steep in water for 24 hours; dilute 1:20 before applying as a root drench to avoid nutrient burnPruning
- Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches in early spring to improve canopy airflow
- Thin crowded inner branches to increase light penetration to lower foliage
- Shape the canopy lightly immediately after flowering to maintain a neat, rounded form
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: Not listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA
Humans: No documented toxic effects on humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Used in traditional Pacific Island medicine for treating skin conditions and as a source of durable timber for canoe building
Usage: Ornamental landscape tree; coastal erosion control; craft timber production
