Adenanthera pavonina
Adenanthera pavoninafam. Fabaceae
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Pl. ACA3 — Adenanthera pavonina
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IOverview
Overview
Adenanthera pavonina is a tree native to the coastal regions and islands of Southeast Asia, including Andaman Islands, Assam, Bangladesh, Bismarck Archipelago, Borneo, Cambodia, Hainan, India, among others. This tree thrives in full sun with moist soil that can range from light sandy to heavy clay, making it adaptable but preferring medium conditions. Known for its ornamental value and as an edible plant, A. pavonina produces flowers, leaves, and seeds that are utilized. One distinctive feature is the tree's ability to grow up to 18 meters tall, while another notable aspect is its light hardiness rating of zones 10-12, indicating it can withstand mild frost but prefers warmer climates.
Quick answers
What is Adenanthera pavonina?
Adenanthera pavonina is a tree native to the coastal regions and islands of Southeast Asia, including Andaman Islands, Assam, Bangladesh, Bismarck Archipelago, Borneo, Cambodia, Hainan, India, among others.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Adenanthera pavonina thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in temperate regions with a range of 10-12. This tree grows to about 18 meters tall and is native to various Southeast Asian and Pacific islands. For propagation, seeds are the preferred method. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist but well-drained for optimal growth.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Habit
Tree
Mature size
18.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Adenanthera pavonina for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, full-sun tree that thrives in moist soil and can be grown from seeds or transplants.
- 1
What you'll need
Skip seeds or young plants, a pot or garden bed, good quality soil.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Skip during the spring when temperatures are warm and stable.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is well-draining with a pH between 6.0-7.5; use light, medium, or heavy soil types.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in early spring or start them indoors about 8 weeks before planting outside.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist and provide partial shade to help seedlings establish.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells; fertilize lightly once a year in spring.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune young trees for shape and remove dead branches as needed; flowers can be harvested but are not commonly used.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, neglecting to prune, using too much fertilizer.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersLeavesSeed
Edible uses: The Adenanthera pavonina tree offers edible flowers and leaves, which can be eaten raw or cooked. The seeds are also edible but not commonly consumed as food. In some regions, the pods containing the seeds might be dried for later use.
Other uses:Fire starterDyeFiberAnimal feedCover cropHairPioneerWind breakerSoapLumberCoppiceNitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
26 native · 4 introduced
Distribution
26 native · 4 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 26 native· 4 introduced
Asia9 regions
native (9)BangladeshCambodiaIndiaLaosMaldivesMyanmarSri LankaThailandVietnam
Americas2 regions
native (1)Puerto Rico
introduced (1)Bahamas
Africa2 regions
introduced (2)AngolaCameroon
Broader regions
native:Borneo, Jawa, Lesser Sunda Is., Malaya, Bismarck Archipelago, Andaman Is., New Guinea, Nicobar Is., Northern Territory, Queensland, Solomon Is., Sulawesi, Sumatera, Maluku, Hainan
introduced:Caroline Is.
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Fabaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Fabaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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