Tabernaemontana stapfiana (commonly known as soccerball fruit) is a medium-sized tree in the family Apocynaceae. Its flowers feature white with yellow-throated corolla lobes. The fruit is fleshy grey-green, in pairs, each up to 20 centimetres (8 in) in diameter and weighing up to several kilograms. Its habitat is montane evergreen forests from 700–2,000 metres (2,300–6,600 ft) altitude. The plant is native to an area of Africa from Uganda south to Mozambique.
Tabernaemontana stapfiana is well resistant to disease and is generally not susceptible to illnesses. In terms of care, this plant is fairly low maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs minimal watering, and larger plants usually do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they finish blooming. Tabernaemontana stapfianat is suitable for anyone with an outdoor area, such as a garden or deck, and does not demand extensive plant-care experience.
How to keep Tabernaemontana Stapfiana.
Light
Tabernaemontana stapfiana occurs naturally in habitats like forest understories or rocky areas, where it grows under natural shade. It prefers partial sun but can tolerate full sun or complete shade, reflecting its adaptable and hardy character.
Temperature
Tabernaemontana stapfiana comes from tropical areas, where the climate is usually warm and humid. Consequently, it is adapted to high temperatures and humidity. It does not tolerate sudden temperature changes and prefers a steady temperature, so avoiding indoor temperature fluctuations is important. It typically cannot endure cold conditions and requires warmer temperatures to grow. If the ambient temperature falls too low, the plant may stop growing or even perish.
Fertilizer
The best time to fertilize a Tabernaemontana stapfiana is in early spring as it comes out of dormancy. This supports overall growth and the development of flowers. Fertilization improves the foliage, stems, and branches, while encouraging large, vibrant, and long-lasting blooms. It helps transport nutrients from the roots to the flowers and boosts the plant’s health and resistance to disease.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Shrub
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Tabernaemontana
- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 10-12
- Mature Height
- 3.05 m to 7.92 m
- Mature Spread
- 2.13 m to 3.96 m
- Leaf Color
- Dark Green
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- White
- Flower Size
- 2.03 cm to 3.05 cm
- Bloom Time
- Late spring, Summer, Early fall
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Late summer, Fall
- Native Area
- Malawi, Burundi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Kenya, Congo (DRC), Uganda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe
Other names.
