Hancornia speciosa — an easy houseplant, prefers full sun light
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Hancornia speciosa

Hancornia Speciosa

Updated · 27 observations
ON THIS PLANT

Hancornia is a genus of flowering plant in the family Apocynaceae, first described as a genus in 1812. It is native to South America (Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay). It contains only one known species, Hancornia speciosa, commonly called mangabeira, which produces fruits known as mangabas.

A note from PlantMom

Mangabeira resists disease well and is usually not susceptible to illnesses. As for care, this plant is fairly low maintenance. Planted outdoors, it needs only light watering, and larger specimens typically do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they have finished blooming. Mangabeirat is suitable for anyone with an outdoor area, such as a garden or deck, and does not demand much gardening experience.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Hancornia Speciosa.

Light

Mangabeira comes from open habitats, like sunny meadows and forest edges, that provide abundant light. It does best in Full Sun but can also tolerate Partial Sun, adjusting well to different light conditions.

Temperature

Mangabeira comes from tropical areas where the climate is usually warm and humid. Consequently, it is well adapted to high temperatures and humidity. It does not tolerate abrupt temperature shifts and prefers a steady thermal environment, so avoiding temperature fluctuations indoors is important. It generally cannot withstand cold and needs higher temperatures to grow. If the surrounding temperature falls too low, the plant may stop growing or even perish.

Fertilizer

Prefer organic fertilizers (for example, fish emulsion or compost) rather than chemical fertilizers for Mangabeira. Supply higher nitrogen and phosphorus to young plants during spring. Incorporate compost or fertilizer into the soil before or after planting. For mature plants, add a balanced fertilizer or one specific to the deficiency in spring. Nutrient deficiency results in small leaves, short branches, yellow or bronze leaves, acidic fruits, premature fruit fall, and splitting.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Tree
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Hancornia
Family
Apocynaceae
Hardiness Zone
10-12
Mature Height
4.88 m to 7.01 m
Mature Spread
3.96 m to 6.1 m
Leaf Color
Dark Green, Forest Green
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
White
Flower Size
3.05 cm to 5.08 cm
Bloom Time
Late spring, Summer
Planting Time
Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
Late summer, Fall
Native Area
Bolivia, Peru
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Mangabeira
PLATES
Hancornia speciosa leaf
PLATE 01 · leaf
Hancornia speciosa leaf
PLATE 02 · leaf
Hancornia speciosa fruit
PLATE 03 · fruit
Hancornia speciosa fruit
PLATE 04 · fruit
Hancornia speciosa other
PLATE 05 · other