Aglaia sapindina, Aglaia novaguineensis

Native to Australia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea, the Aglaia sapindina (Luka-luka Ma) is an evergreen small tree that can reach 10-20 feet in height with a low canopy. It prefers full sun to semi-shade and responds well to regular water needs. The Aglaia sapindina is known to have 4-5 inches long panicles that contain small, yellow flowers. It bears fruit around late summer. The small yellow to orange flowers are fragrant and are known to attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

Growing the Aglaia sapindina in USDA Zones 9-11 is fairly easy. The shrub prefers well-drained, humus-rich soil and needs to be planted in a spot that receives sun to partial shade. It will benefit from regular watering during the warmer months, but should not be allowed to stand in water for extended periods of time. When planting in colder regions, it is best to keep the shrub in a container and bring it indoors during the winter. During the colder months, Luka-Luka Ma should be placed in a bright, warm area and watered regularly. It will also benefit from occasional fertilizing, but should not be overfed.

Similar plants:

• Aglaia argentea (Silver Boodyarra)
• Aglaia korthalsii, Aglaia aquatica, Aglaia cauliflora (Aglaia, Sang Kreyt)
• Aglaia odorata (Chinese Perfume Plant, Chinese Rice Flower, Mock Lemon)
• Aglaia odorata var. Gigantea (Giant Rice Flower, Perfume Flower)