Clearing Nut
Strychnos potatorum
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Pl. F5A6 — Strychnos potatorum
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IOverview
Overview
Clearing Nut, scientifically known as Strychnos potatorum, is a tree native to regions including Botswana, Burundi, Caprivi Strip, India, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Myanmar, Northern Provinces, Rwanda, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Zambia, Zaïre, and Zimbabwe. This plant thrives in partial sun or full shade environments, tolerating both dry and moist conditions, and prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil types. It can grow up to 12 meters tall and is known for its edible fruit. The Clearing Nut tree is notable for its adaptability and presence in a wide range of habitats across several continents.
Quick answers
What is Clearing Nut?
Clearing Nut, scientifically known as Strychnos potatorum, is a tree native to regions including Botswana, Burundi, Caprivi Strip, India, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Myanmar, Northern Provinces, Rwanda, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Zambia, Zaïre, and Zimbabwe.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
The Clearing Nut thrives in partial sun to full shade and prefers moist to dry conditions, making it adaptable to various environments. It grows best in light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil types. This plant is hardy in zones 10-12, so it requires warm climates. For propagation, use seeds or cuttings. The edible parts are the fruit, which can be enjoyed once ripe.
Light
Partial sun/shade, Full shade
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Mature size
12.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Clearing Nut for the first time
8steps
Start with Clearing Nut as a simple, low-maintenance plant for beginners.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, potting mix, containers or garden space.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when temperatures are mild and stable.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a well-draining soil mix. Ensure pots have drainage holes if planting in containers.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost, then transplant outdoors after danger of frost passes.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Place in a partially shaded area to avoid direct sunlight.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when soil feels dry to the touch, especially during dry periods. Provide partial shade and regular watering.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune lightly to maintain shape and remove dead branches. Harvest fruit when ripe for use in culinary applications.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun, neglecting to prune, not harvesting fruits properly.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: Coffee
Other uses:FilterLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
15 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
15 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 15 native
Asia3 regions
native (3)IndiaMyanmarSri Lanka
Africa9 regions
native (9)BotswanaBurundiMadagascarMalawiMozambiqueRwandaTanzaniaZambiaZimbabwe
Broader regions
native:Caprivi Strip, Zaïre, Northern Provinces
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · f5a6f02f-bf0f-49cd-b2bc-0172c91d6926
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