Gmelina
Gmelina arboreafam. Verbenaceae
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Pl. 0444 — Gmelina arborea
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IOverview
Overview
Gmelina arborea, commonly known as Gmelina, is a tree native to regions including the Andaman Islands, Assam, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China South-Central region, East Himalaya, India, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam. This plant thrives in moist conditions with light to partial shade and can grow up to 25 meters tall. Known for its edible flowers and fruits, Gmelina is also valued for its ornamental qualities. Its adaptability to various soil types—light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay)—and hardiness zones 9-12 make it a versatile addition to gardens and landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Gmelina?
Gmelina arborea, commonly known as Gmelina, is a tree native to regions including the Andaman Islands, Assam, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China South-Central region, East Himalaya, India, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Gmelina thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows best in hardiness zones 9-12 and can reach a height of 25 meters. Propagate through seeds or cuttings. The tree produces edible flowers and fruit, making it useful for both ornamental and culinary purposes.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
9-12
Habit
Tree
Mature size
25.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Gmelina for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple Gmelina tree to observe its growth and care needs.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Gmelina sapling, well-draining soil, and a container or garden space.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the weather is warm but not too hot.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is light, medium, or heavy with good drainage. For containers, use a pot at least 15 liters (4 gallons) in size.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant the sapling carefully, ensuring not to damage the roots. Water thoroughly after planting.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Place the plant in a partially shaded area during this period.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially when the weather is dry. Provide full sun to partial shade and prune occasionally for shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune young branches to encourage a strong structure. Harvest flowers and fruits as desired once they mature.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun without partial shade, neglecting regular pruning, and using unsuitable soil types.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersFruit
Edible uses: The flowers and fruits of Gmelina are edible. The flowers can be eaten raw or cooked in various dishes, while the fruits are typically consumed fresh or used to make jams and jellies.
Other uses:Fire starterDyeLumberHedgerowtextilesPioneerWind breakerCoppice
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
14 native · 16 introduced
Distribution
14 native · 16 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 14 native· 16 introduced
Asia12 regions
native (11)BangladeshCambodiaChinaIndiaLaosMyanmarNepalPakistanSri LankaThailandVietnam
introduced (1)Philippines
Americas7 regions
introduced (7)BelizeCosta RicaEcuadorEl SalvadorGuatemalaPeruVenezuela
Africa2 regions
introduced (2)BeninGambia
Broader regions
native:Andaman Is., East Himalaya
introduced:Trinidad-Tobago, Borneo, Cook Is., Florida, Malaya, Mexico Southeast
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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