Operculicarya decaryi (Jabily, Elephant Tree)


Botanical Information

FamilyAnacardiaceae
GenusOperculicarya
Speciesdecaryi
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (evergreen)
OriginSouth to Southwest Madagascar.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone9b - 11
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH5
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-10
Temperature (°F)10
Height1.8 - 2.4 m
Spread1.2 - 1.6 m
GrowthSlow
Flowering PeriodFebruary, March

Description and Growing Information

ShapeUpright conical.
LandscapeAs a container plant, as a potted patio plant, as an indoor potted plant or as a specimen. Can be trained to become a bonsai.
PropagationBy woody stem cuttings.
CultivationPlant in full sun in well-draining, gritty soil with considerable inorganic material content.
HabitatXerophyte thickets and forests.
Bark/Stem DescriptionGnarled, wrinkled knotted, thick bark that occasionally will be moss endowed in its native habitat.
Leaf DescriptionSmall, ovate-oblong oppositely-arranged foliage that has a semi-glossy look and feel.
Flower DescriptionVery small flowers up to 2 mm in diameter that are evident in winter.
Colour DescriptionGreyish-brown bark, vivid lush green foliage
Texture DescriptionRough bark and semi-glossy foliage.

Photographs