About
Hymenaea courbaril, the West Indian locust or jatob�, is a large, semi-evergreen tropical tree from Central and South America producing pairs of oval leaflets, clusters of white flowers and large, hard, woody pods containing edible seeds embedded in a sweet, mealy pulp. The tree also produces a hard, amber-like resin used in varnishes and as incense. An ornamental plant for a large, frost-free garden or heated greenhouse.
About the genus
Hymenaea are semi-evergreen tropical trees from the Americas producing paired leaflets, white flowers and large, hard, woody pods. They produce a hard resin that fossilises as amber. Grown as ornamental specimen trees in frost-free gardens.
Plant details
Suggested usesBorders, containers, naturalising in grass.
Care notes
CultivationPlant at appropriate depth in well-drained soil.
PruningAllow foliage to die back naturally after flowering.
PropagationDivide offsets or bulbils when dormant.
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free. Monitor for common garden pests.
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-resistant. Ensure good air circulation.