Polyalthia sp.

Polyalthia sp. is a large shrub or small tree native to India. It grows between 5-10ft tall as a shrub, and 10-20ft as a small tree. As an ornamental plant, it is fairly easy to care for. It prefers full sun, and regular watering. In extreme heat or drought, however, it will need moderate amounts of water. The foliage is green and lance-shaped, and during the late summer Polyalthia produces small yellow or orange flowers that are highly fragrant.

Polyalthia is hardy in USDA Zones 9-11, and as a result, it can be grown both indoors and outdoors. Outdoors, it can be grown in the ground or in a container. If planted in the ground, USDA hardiness zones and local weather conditions will dictate how much care and protection the plant will require in the winter. When grown in a container, the plant can be brought inside during the winter to protect it, and then taken back out in the summer when temperatures are mild. If you are growing Polyalthia in a cold region and intend to keep it in a pot, make sure to choose a container with sufficient drainage holes, and use a soil-less potting medium. Regularly water the container as needed, and feed with a water-soluble fertilizer in the spring and summer months. During the winter, reduce the amount of water and fertilizer, as the plant needs less in the colder months.

Similar plants:

• Maasia glauca, Monoon glaucum, Polyalthia glauca, Polyalthia merrittii, Polyalthia parkinsonii, Unona merrittii, Uvaria glauca (Maasia)
• Monoon hookerianum, Polyalthia hookeriana (Monoon)
• Monoon sclerophyllum, Polyalthia sclerophylla (Polyalthia)
• Polyalthia australis (Polyalthia)
• Polyalthia erecta (Nom-noi)
• Polyalthia longifolia (Telegraph Pole Tree, Ashoka, Mast Tree)