A fast-growing tropical tree from the lowland forests of Central and South America, widely cultivated for its ornamental foliage and spectacular seasonal flowering. It produces large, pinnately compound leaves with numerous oblong to elliptic leaflets arranged in opposite pairs along an arching rachis, giving the canopy a feathery, elegant texture.
-
Light: Full sun to bright indirect light; thrives in open, unshaded positions and grows most vigorously with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
-
Temperature: 64–86°F (18–30°C); an intermediate-warm grower that tolerates brief dry periods once established but performs best with consistent warmth.
-
Humidity: 50–75%; adaptable to a range of humidity levels, though young plants benefit from moderate ambient moisture during establishment.
-
Watering: Water regularly during active growth, allowing the top layer of substrate to dry slightly between waterings; established trees are moderately drought-tolerant.
-
Growth Habit: A vigorous, upright, deciduous to semi-evergreen tree that can reach 10–20 m at maturity. Young specimens develop a slender, single-stemmed form with arching compound leaves; with age, the canopy broadens into a spreading, rounded crown.
Additional Notes
Best established in deep, well-draining soil with good organic content. Suitable for large containers when young; best transplanted to open ground as it matures. Shipped bare root, well-established at 35–40 cm.
