Overview
Pterocarpus erinaceus is a plant with a upright habit in the genus Pterocarpus, part of the Fabaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Pterocarpus erinaceus grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include specimen tree.
About
Pterocarpus erinaceus is an endangered tree species native to the Sahelian region of West Africa. It is listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. It is used for fuel wood, for medicinal purposes, as a woodworking material, and is useful as a nitrogen-fixing plant to improve nutrient-depleted farming land. It has several common names, including kosso, barwood, African kino tree, muninga, and vène; mukwa is used for this species as well as other Pterocarpus. Grow it in full sun and loam soil. In UK gardens it is half-hardy and may need winter protection in colder areas (RHS H3). It works well for specimen tree. It tolerates neutral soils, well-drained conditions and south-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Pterocarpus erinaceus
About the genus
Pterocarpus is a pantropical tree genus in the Fabaceae family. It belongs to the subfamily Faboideae, and was recently assigned to the informal monophyletic Pterocarpus clade within the Dalbergieae. Most species of Pterocarpus yield valuable timber traded as padauk, usually pronounced or ; other common names are Mukwa (Africa) or Narra (Asia).
Wikipedia contributors, "Pterocarpus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Pterocarpus
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Pterocarpus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
Pterocarpus erinaceus size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Specimen tree
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Pterocarpus erinaceus
- Propagation
- Seed, grafting
- Pest resistance
- Susceptible to aphids
- Disease resistance
- Susceptible to powdery mildew
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Pterocarpus erinaceus?
Pterocarpus erinaceus prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Pterocarpus erinaceus need?
Pterocarpus erinaceus grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Pterocarpus erinaceus hardy in the UK?
Pterocarpus erinaceus has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.
How do I propagate Pterocarpus erinaceus?
Seed, grafting.