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GENERAL
Origin
:
tropical
Vigour
:
fairly fast
growing
Humidity
:
semi-humid, very
humid, extremely
humid
Propagation :
sowing and
pricking out,
cuttings
Maintenance :
low
CONDITIONS
Urban climate :
resistant
Dessication :
vulnerable
Stagnant water :
vulnerable
Irrigation
:
medium
Salinity/ppm :
very high (12000
ppm)
Hardiness
:
+3°C
SHAPE
Type
:
tree
Height
:
3 m-8 m
Spread
:
2 m-4 m
Foliage
:
evergreen
FLOWER
Colour
:
yellow,
secondary: dark
red
Size
:
5 cm - 8 cm
Period
:
May - June
FRUIT
Type of fruit :
capsule
Fruit size
:
4 cm
Commonly known as the Portia Tree or Seaside Mahoe, this is a small tree originating in sou-
theast Asia and found throughout the tropics. Since its introduction in Arriyadh a few years ago,
it has been a successful tree. Growing rapidly, it reaches a height of up to 8 metres and a spread
of 4 metres. The bark is brown and corrugated, while the twigs scaly. The shiny green leaves are
heart-shaped, from 5 to 20 cm long. The cup-shaped, hibiscus-like, pale-yellow flowers are 5 to 8
cm in size, with a dark blotch at the base of the petals. Produced throughout the year, they last
for one to two days, before turning maroon and dropping. The fruit capsule is a flattened leathery
ball with greyish-brown seeds. The Portia Tree grows in many soil types including those based
on quartz, limestone, and basalt; it favours neutral soils and sandy coastal soils, tolerating saline
conditions. It requires full sun, is cold-sensitive, but withstands mild frosts and resists wind. T.
populnea is drought-tolerant, but requires regular irrigation in summer in Arriyadh. It is easily
propagated from scarified seed and cuttings. Pests are not generally observed. Used for medicinal
purposes, this tree is much valued for its timber and for soil stabilisation and windbreaks. It ma-
kes a good, compact tree for gardens, patios and terraces, and can be planted in groups in parks
or used as a shade tree for pathways. Easily kept in shape by pruning, only low maintenance is
necessary.
301
Thespesia populnea,
Malvaceae
Milo,
Portia Tree, Seaside Mahoe