Nauclea latifolia — an easy houseplant, prefers partial sun light
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Nauclea latifolia

Nauclea Latifolia

Updated · 77 observations
ON THIS PLANT

Nauclea latifolia, also known by its common name African peach, is a species of flowering plant in the family Rubiaceae, native to tropical regions of sub-Saharan Africa.

A note from PlantMom

The pincushion tree is resistant to disease and generally does not tend to get illnesses. Regarding care, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. Planted outdoors, it needs little watering and larger specimens typically do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be trimmed after they have finished blooming. Pincushion treet 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 Nauclea Latifolia.

Light

The pincushion tree is native to habitats like forest understories and rocky areas, where it grows in natural shade. It prefers partial sun but can tolerate full sun or full shade, illustrating its versatile, hardy nature.

Temperature

The Pincushion tree comes from tropical areas, where the climate is usually warm and humid. Consequently, it is adapted to high heat and humidity. It does not tolerate abrupt temperature changes and prefers a steady thermal environment, so avoiding indoor temperature swings is important. It typically cannot endure cold and needs warmer conditions to grow. If the ambient temperature falls too low, the plant may stop growing or even die.

Fertilizer

Early spring, when the Pincushion tree breaks dormancy, is the best time to fertilize. Doing this promotes overall growth and flower development. Fertilizing improves the foliage, stems, and branches, and encourages flowers that are larger, more vibrant, and longer-lasting. It helps move nutrients from the roots to the flowers and enhances the plant’s health and resistance to disease.

Pruning

The pincushion tree is known for its broad leaves and distinctive flowers. To keep it healthy and attractive, begin by pruning in early spring. Focus on removing any dead branches and thinning out dense areas to improve air circulation. After the tree blooms, perform additional pruning to maintain its shape and encourage growth. Regular pruning not only enhances the tree's ornamental beauty but also contributes to its overall health.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Tree
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Nauclea
Family
Rubiaceae
Hardiness Zone
10-12
Mature Height
4.88 m to 10.06 m
Mature Spread
3.96 m to 6.1 m
Leaf Color
Dark Green
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
White
Flower Size
2.03 cm to 3.05 cm
Bloom Time
Summer, Early fall
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
Late summer, Fall
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Pincushion tree en Negro peach
PLATES
Nauclea latifolia leaf
PLATE 01 · leaf
Nauclea latifolia leaf
PLATE 02 · leaf
Nauclea latifolia flower
PLATE 03 · flower
Nauclea latifolia flower
PLATE 04 · flower
Nauclea latifolia fruit
PLATE 05 · fruit
Nauclea latifolia fruit
PLATE 06 · fruit
ALSO IN THE LIBRARY

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