Tulip Tree; Portia Tree; Pacific Rosewood
Thespesia populneoides
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Pl. 19FC — Thespesia populneoides
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IOverview
Overview
Tulip Tree (Thespesia populneoides), also known as Portia Tree or Pacific Rosewood, is a tree native to Aldabra, Comoros, Hainan, India, Jawa, Kenya, KwaZulu-Natal, Lesser Sunda Islands, Madagascar, Maluku, Mauritius, Mozambique, New Guinea, Northern Territory, Pakistan, Philippines, Queensland, Rodrigues, Réunion, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, and Western Australia. This tree thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil with a pH between 6 and 7.5. It can grow up to 10 meters tall and is both ornamental and edible, as its flowers, leaves, and fruits are all considered edible parts. One distinctive feature of the Tulip Tree is its light green foliage that contrasts nicely with its large, tulip-like flowers, making it a popular choice for gardens and landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Tulip Tree; Portia Tree; Pacific Rosewood?
Tulip Tree (Thespesia populneoides), also known as Portia Tree or Pacific Rosewood, is a tree native to Aldabra, Comoros, Hainan, India, Jawa, Kenya, KwaZulu-Natal, Lesser Sunda Islands, Madagascar, Maluku, Mauritius, Mozambique, New Guinea, Northern Territory, Pakistan, Philippi
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Tulip Tree thrives in full sun and prefers well-draining soils that are light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) with a pH between 6 and 7.5. It is drought-tolerant but can also handle moist conditions. This tree grows to about 10 meters tall and is hardy in temperate regions from zones 10-12. For propagation, use seeds or cuttings. The edible parts include flowers, fruit, and leaves, making it a versatile addition to gardens where space and sunlight are abundant.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Habit
Tree, Shrub
Mature size
10.0 m tall
Soil pH
6–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Tulip Tree; Portia Tree; Pacific Rosewood for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple planting of Pacific Rosewood for beginners, focusing on basic care and maintenance.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young saplings, potting mix suitable for trees, a container if planting in a pot.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the weather starts warming up.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH between 6 and 7.5. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young saplings or sow seeds directly in the ground, covering them lightly with soil.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun exposure and regular watering during dry periods. Fertilize once a year in spring.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune to maintain shape and remove dead branches as needed. Flowers are not typically harvested.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting sun exposure, and using unsuitable containers.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersFruitLeaves
Edible uses: Gum
Other uses:DyeFencingFiberFire starterLumberCover cropGumHairHedgerowPest controlLightingPlant supportWind breakerErosion controlWeaving materialTanninWaterproofing
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Asia8 regions
native (8)BangladeshCambodiaIndiaPakistanPhilippinesSri LankaThailandVietnam
Africa5 regions
native (5)ComorosKenyaMadagascarMauritiusMozambique
Broader regions
native:Aldabra, Hainan, Northern Territory, Réunion, Western Australia, KwaZulu-Natal, Mozambique Channel I, Jawa, Maluku, New Guinea, Queensland, Rodrigues, Andaman Is., Bismarck Archipelago, Borneo, Caroline Is.
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 19fc3a09-2f28-4717-88ee-eb2585fd51e7
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Choosing between Tulip Tree; Portia Tree; Pacific Rosewood and something else?
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