About
Choerospondias axillaris is a rapidly growing deciduous tree that can reach heights of up to 20 meters in its natural environment, though it often remains smaller when cultivated. The bark, which is greyish-brown, secretes a sticky resin and features cracks that expose a pink inner layer. Its compound leaves can be as long as 40 centimeters, consisting of 4 to 15 pairs of elongated, papery leaflets measuring up to 12.5 centimeters in length. In spring, the leaves start with a reddish hue, transition to green, and then turn red again in the fall. During late spring, the tree produces small flowers that may be yellowish or red, which are succeeded by round fruits measuring up to 2.5 centimeters in diameter. These fruits mature to a red color and contain sour, white flesh that is edible.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Sand, Loam, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H2
Plant details
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- Higher than 12 metres
- Spread
- wider than 8 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Native to
- India to Japan
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grows best in deep, moist soils with protection from strong winds and freezing temperatures
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed or by softwood or hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free