Pithecellobium excelsum

A thorny leguminous tree with bipinnate compound leaves composed of small, obovate, paired leaflets arranged along slender rachillae. The branches bear sharp axillary spines and develop an open, spreading canopy with age, making it a structurally distinctive specimen for tropical gardens and naturalistic landscapes.

• Light: Full sun to bright indirect light; thrives with maximum sun exposure and excellent air circulation, which promotes vigorous branching and dense foliage.
• Temperature: 68–95°F (20–35°C); a warm-growing species that performs best in consistently high temperatures with no frost tolerance.
• Humidity: 40–70%; adapts well to a range of humidity levels and tolerates drier conditions once established.
• Watering: Water deeply and allow the substrate to dry out between waterings; established plants are drought-tolerant and sensitive to prolonged waterlogging.
• Growth Habit: Upright, multi-branched tree that develops a broad, open canopy with spiny stems and finely divided bipinnate foliage. Well suited for tropical garden borders, living fences, or as a bonsai specimen due to its naturally ramified branching structure.

Additional Notes

Plant in well-draining soil with good organic content; tolerates a range of soil types once established. Shipped bare root, well-established.