Paradise tree
Simarouba amara
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Pl. 51F1 — Simarouba amara
Simarouba amaraSimarouba amaraSimarouba amaraSimarouba amaraSimarouba amaraSimarouba amaraSimarouba amaraSimarouba amaraSimarouba amaraSimarouba amaraSimarouba amaraSimarouba amaraSimarouba amaraSimarouba amara
IOverview
Overview
The Paradise tree (Simarouba amara) is a large deciduous tree native to the tropical regions of Central and South America, including countries such as Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad-Tobago, and Venezuela. Known for its edible fruit and seeds, this tree thrives in moist to wet conditions with a preference for light or partial sun. It can grow up to 25 meters tall and is adaptable to various soil types, including sandy, medium, and clay soils. Its hardiness range of zones 10-12 makes it suitable for warmer climates.
Quick answers
What is Paradise tree?
The Paradise tree (Simarouba amara) is a large deciduous tree native to the tropical regions of Central and South America, including countries such as Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad-Tobago, and Venezuela.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
The Paradise tree thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist, wet soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 10-12 and grows up to 25 meters tall. For propagation, seeds are the preferred method. Ensure the planting site has adequate moisture and well-draining conditions for best growth.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Mature size
25.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Paradise tree for the first time
8steps
Start with a Paradise tree to experience growing a tropical plant in your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Paradise tree sapling, well-draining soil, and a large container or planting space.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant the Paradise tree during spring when temperatures are warm and stable.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a mix of light sandy soil, medium soil, and heavy clay for good drainage. Ensure containers have adequate holes for water to escape.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant the sapling into your prepared container or planting area, ensuring it is at the same depth as in its current pot.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Place the tree in a sunny spot with partial shade during the hottest part of the day.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun or partial shade, and maintain consistent moisture levels. Fertilize lightly every few months using a balanced fertilizer.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune young branches to shape the tree and remove any dead or damaged parts as needed.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil without proper drainage, and not providing enough sunlight are common issues beginners face.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitSeed
Edible uses: Oil, Drink
Other uses:Fire starterCompostContainersCosmeticFertilizerLumberoilPest controlSoap makingSoil conditionerErosion controlVarnish
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
27 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
27 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 27 native
Americas14 regions
native (14)BelizeBoliviaColombiaCosta RicaEcuadorEl SalvadorFrench GuianaGuatemalaGuyanaHondurasNicaraguaPeruSurinameVenezuela
Broader regions
native:Brazil North, Brazil Northeast, Brazil Southeast, Brazil West-Central, Leeward Is., Mexico Central, Mexico Gulf, Mexico Southwest, Panamá, Southwest Caribbean, Trinidad-Tobago, Windward Is., Mexico Southeast
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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