Dillenia philippinensis (Katmon)

Dillenia philippinensis (Katmon) with a white flower and lush green leaves on the plant.
Dillenia philippinensis (Katmon) white flower centered among the deep green, serrated oval leaves.

Botanical name: Dillenia philippinensis

Common names: Katmon, Philippine Elephant Apple, Philippines Simpoh

Family: Dilleniaceae

Origin: Philippines

USDA Plant Hardiness Map

USDA Zone: 10-12

Large shrub 5-10 ft tallSmall tree 10-20 ftPlant form: Large bush or small tree
Plant mature sizeMature height: 10-20 ft
Full sunSemi-shadeShadeSun exposure: Full sun or bright light indoor; semi-shade; shade
Cold toleranceCold tolerance: Frost sensitive. Protect from freezing.
Watering: Regular. Let topsoil dry slightlyWatering: Regular
White, off-white flowersFlower color: White and off-white
Suitable forSuitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; small gardens, containers, and indoor growing
Ethnomedical plant. Plants marked as ethnomedical and/or described as medicinal, are not offered as medicine but rather as ornamentals or plant collectibles. Ethnomedical statements / products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We urge all customers to consult a physician before using any supplements, herbals or medicines advertised here or elsewhere.Ethnomedical: Ethnomedical plant, traditionally used in folk or indigenous medicine

This tropical looking beauty s a favorite tree among Filipino garden enthusiasts. It is endemic to the Philippines. Its fruit is known as elephant apple. Katmon grows in low to medium altitude forests throughout the Philippines, but does not survive the cold climates of the uplands.

The tree is buttress-forming, evergreen, and shade tolerant. The bark is smooth with shallow fissures. The leaves are large, 1-2 ft long, leathery, shining, and coarsely toothed at the margins. Its flowers are white, large, showy, and also very large, up to 1 ft wide, with showy reddish pistils and stamens. The edible fruits are rounded, 2-3" in diameter, with large fleshy sepals tightly enclosing the true fruit.

Flowers last only one day, but the plant stays in bloom all summer through fall, with multiple flowers and buds that keep opening every day.

The tree is harvested for its timber and the edible fruits are said to have medicinal value.

The plant is perfect for container and indoor culture, with showy tropical leaves, beautiful flowers, shade tolerance, and compact growth.

Similar plants: Dillenia philippinensis (Katmon)


Image gallery: 15 images
Dillenia philippinensis (Katmon) plant with vibrant green leaves, close up of waxy foliage texture
Dillenia philippinensis (Katmon) showing wide, oval, serrated green leaves with defined veins and glossy surfaces.
Dillenia philippinensis (Katmon) plant with vibrant green leaves and round lime fruit close up.
Dillenia philippinensis (Katmon) plant with serrated leaves and spherical fruit on stems.
Dillenia philippinensis (Katmon) green fruit close up with textured leaves on the branch
Dillenia philippinensis (Katmon) round green fruit budding among the deep green serrated foliage
Dillenia philippinensis (Katmon) with creamy white flower and large vibrant green serrated leaves close up
Dillenia philippinensis (Katmon) flower nestled among thick serrated green leaves after a light rain shower.
Dillenia philippinensis (Katmon) green fruit with red filaments in a detailed close up image.
Dillenia philippinensis (Katmon) fruit center with pale green segments and thin red thread-like stamens.
Dillenia philippinensis (Katmon) white flower with a deep red center in a close up.
Dillenia philippinensis (Katmon) white flower with wide petals surrounding a dense, deep red center.
Dillenia philippinensis (Katmon) green and bronze leaves on a branch close up plant photo
Dillenia philippinensis (Katmon) leaves with vibrant bronze tips emerge among deep green mature foliage.
Dillenia philippinensis (Katmon) white flower with red center, close up view of petals
Dillenia philippinensis (Katmon) white flower with a distinct red center and many curved stamens.
Dillenia philippinensis (Katmon) green leaves with reddish young growth on tree branch close up
Dillenia philippinensis (Katmon) shows large serrated leaves with fresh reddish growth emerging at the center.
Dillenia philippinensis (Katmon) white flower with dark red center in a close up image.
Dillenia philippinensis (Katmon) white flower with crinkled petals and a thick dark red center.
Dillenia philippinensis (Katmon) white flower with dark red center and green leaves close up.
Dillenia philippinensis (Katmon) white flowers with dark red centers nestled among large green foliage leaves.
Dillenia philippinensis (Katmon) white flower with red center close up beside human hand scale
Dillenia philippinensis (Katmon) white flower with red center next to a human hand for scale
Dillenia philippinensis (Katmon) white flower close up with red center and green large leaves
Dillenia philippinensis (Katmon) white flower with red center surrounded by large deep green textured leaves
Dillenia philippinensis (Katmon) white flower close up with red center and green leaves
Dillenia philippinensis (Katmon) white flower with a dark red center resting among deep green leaves.
Dillenia philippinensis (Katmon) white flower with dark red center in a close up shot
Dillenia philippinensis (Katmon) white flower centered against thick green leaves with jagged, serrated edges.


Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/dillenia_philippinensis.htm
Dillenia philippinensis - Katmon, Philippines Elephant Apple

2282 Dillenia philippinensis - Katmon, Philippines Elephant Apple

Katmon, Philippines Elephant Apple. This tropical looking beauty s a favorite tree among Filipino garden enthusiasts. It is endemic to the Philippines. Its fruit is known as elephant apple. The tree is buttress-forming, evergreen, and shade tolerant. The leaves are large, 1-2 ft long, leathery, shining, and coarsely toothed at the margins. Its flowers are white, large, showy, and also very large, up to 1 ft wide, with showy reddish pistils and stamens. The edible fruits are rounded, 2-3" in diameter, with medicinal value. Flowers last only one day, but the plant stays in bloom all summer through fall, with multiple flowers and buds that keep opening every day.
The plant is perfect for container and indoor culture, with showy tropical leaves, beautiful flowers, shade tolerance, and compact growth.
See Planting Guide & Care Tips


Recommended Fertilizer: SUNSHINE C-Cibus - Crop Nutrition Booster
SUNSHINE-Honey - sugar booster
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot, large plant
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