Description
Sterculia foetida is a soft-wooded tree originally from East Africa and North Australia.
The grey bark is smooth, spotted with brown and faintly ridged. The flowers, appearing early in February, forms at the knotty ends of the wrinkled old branchlets. The fruit consists of four to five follicles, each follicle generally containing 10-15 seeds.
Plant Specifications
| Plant Spread | 5 inch (13 cm) |
*above specification are indicative only. actual dimensions may vary by +-10%
| Common Name | Java Olive, Peon, Poon Tree, Wild Indian Almond, Sterculia nut, Jangli badam |
| Maximum Reachable Height | Up to 100 feet |
| Flower Colour | Crimson-brown |
| Bloom Time | February |
| Difficulty Level | Easy to grow |
Planting and care
Sterculia Foetida care
Choose a warm, sheltered location when growing. The vining varieties require a support structure as some can get 15 feet tall. Natural habitat is Moist deciduous forests and in the plains along coastal areas.
| Sunlight | Part shade |
| Watering | Medium |
| Soil | Well-drained soil |
| Temperature | 18 to 32 degrees C |
| Fertilizer | Apply any organic fertilizer |
| Harvest Season | After 9 to 11 months of fruit setting. |
Sterculia Foetida special feature
Fruits
Sterculia Foetida uses
Ornamental Use:
- The plant is used for an ornamental purpose
Medicinal Use:
- They contain an oil that is used medicinally
Culinary Use:
- The seeds are edible after toasting and taste like chestnuts