Terminalia leiocarpa
Terminalia leiocarpa · Combretaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around terminalia leiocarpa and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous to semi-evergreen depending on climate
- Blooming
- Spring to summer, inconspicuous flowers in spikes
- Adult size
- 15 to 25 m in height
- Growth
- Moderate to rapid in tropical conditions
- Hardiness
- Non-hardy, tropical to subtropical climate
- Origin
- West and Central Africa
- Soil type
- Well-drained soils, tolerates sandy and lateritic soils
Care
Exposure and light
Terminalia leiocarpa requires full sun exposure for optimal growth. Place it in direct sunlight for at least 6 hours per day. In tropical climates, it tolerates partial shade well but grows more vigorously in full light.
Watering
Water regularly during the growing season to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Once established, the tree tolerates dry periods better thanks to its deep root system. Reduce watering in winter or dry season.
Soil and preparation
Prefer well-drained soils, slightly acidic to neutral. Adding organic matter at planting time improves water retention. This tree tolerates the sandy and lateritic soils typical of tropical areas.
Fertilization
Apply balanced or potassium-rich fertilizer in spring and summer during the first years. Once established, the tree is undemanding and thrives with moderate annual organic matter applications.
Pruning and training
Little pruning is needed except for removing dead or misaligned branches. In the early years, prune lightly to encourage a balanced shape. Carry out interventions in late winter or early spring.
Health and pests
Under optimal conditions, Terminalia leiocarpa resists disease well. In humid or confined environments, monitor for leaf fungi. Specific pests remain rare in cultivation. Good drainage and air circulation prevent most problems.
Did you know?
Terminalia leiocarpa is a major tree of African savannas and dry forests, valued for its quality timber and its ability to enrich soils through nutritious leaf litter. In West Africa, this tree plays a crucial ecological role as a refuge and food source for local wildlife, particularly birds and pollinating insects.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.