Overview
Funtumia elastica is a plant with a tree habit in the genus Funtumia, part of the Apocynaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 25.0 m tall. Funtumia elastica grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H2. Suggested uses include specimen plant, conservatories and tropical gardens. It is native to Burundi, Cabinda, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Rwanda and Tanzania.
About
Funtumia elastica is an evergreen African rubber tree that can reach around 25 m. It prefers full sun and a sheltered, south-facing position with moist but well-drained neutral soil. Native to several Central and West African countries, it is commonly grown as a specimen or in conservatories and tropical-style gardens. Growth is most active through spring and summer.
About the genus
Funtumia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Apocynaceae first described as a genus in 1900. It is native to Africa.SpeciesFuntumia africana (Benth.) Stapf - widespread from Senegal to Tanzania, south to Zimbabwe Funtumia elastica (Preuss) Stapf - widespread from Senegal to Sudan + Tanzania, south to Zaire
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Funtumia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H2
Plant details
Funtumia elastica size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Tree
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 25.0 m
- Suggested uses
- Specimen plant, conservatories, tropical gardens
- Native to
- Burundi, Cabinda, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Funtumia elastica
- Propagation
- Seed, cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Susceptible to scale insects, mealybugs
- Disease resistance
- Susceptible to root rot in waterlogged soils
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Funtumia elastica?
Funtumia elastica prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Funtumia elastica need?
Funtumia elastica is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Funtumia elastica grow?
Funtumia elastica reaches a height of 25.0 m.
Is Funtumia elastica hardy in the UK?
Funtumia elastica has an RHS hardiness rating of H2, meaning it is tender, tolerating 1–5°C, and needs frost-free protection over winter.
How do I propagate Funtumia elastica?
Seed, cuttings.