Description
This is a good tree for small gardens or patios. Indian tulip tree is an evergreen bushy tree.
Its name Thespesia means divinely decreed . Leaves are smooth, somewhat similar to those of the Pipal tree, broadly ovate. It has heart-shaped leaves and cup-shaped yellow flowe The flowers are followed by apple-shaped fruit. Seeds several, elliptical, 1 cm long, brown hairy.
Seeds Specifications
| Seeds per Packet | 52500 |
| Common Name | Milo, Portia tree, Indian tulip tree, Pacific rosewood, Portia tree, Paras pipal, Aashta |
| Height | It generally reaches a height of 30 feet with a spread of 12 feet. |
| Flower Colour | Petals are purple or pink. |
| Bloom Time | Year Round, blooms more in October to July |
| Difficulty Level | Easy to grow |
Planting and care
- Foliar feed young milo trees once a month in early morning with a water soluble or an organic fertilizer
Thespesia populnea care
- The Portia tree is able to grow in the wide range of soil types
- The seeds should be scarified (the seed coat penetrated)
- This can be done using sandpaper, nail clippers, or by cracking with a hammer
- Care must be taken to avoid damaging the inner part of the seed
- The seeds do not require soaking
- The seeds should be planted in the sterile potting mix at a depth of about twice the diameter of the seed
- Germination takes 14 to 28 days
| Sunlight | Full Sun to Partial Shade |
| Watering | Moderate |
| Soil | Clay, Sand, Cinder, Organic, Coral |
| Temperature | 20 to 30 degrees C |
| Fertilizer | Apply any organic fertilizer. |
Thespesia populnea special feature
Like other mangrove associates, these plants provide shelter and food to many creatures of the mangroves.
Thespesia populnea uses
Ornamental Use:
- Landscape Use (Accent, Container, Hedges, Provides Shade, Screening, Specimen Plant)
Medicinal Use:
- In India, the ground up bark is used to treat skin diseases and in Mauritius dysentery and hemorrhoids
- Note: Please consult your health expert
Culinary Use:
- The fruits, flowers and young leaves are edible