Steganotaenia araliacea (Carrot Tree)

Steganotaenia araliacea (Carrot Tree) green leaves on a tree branch for clear visual identification.
Steganotaenia araliacea (Carrot Tree) tree branches covered in abundant green leaves with serrated leaf edges.

Botanical name: Steganotaenia araliacea

Common name: Carrot Tree

Family: Apiaceae / Umbelliferae

Origin: South Africa

USDA Plant Hardiness Map

USDA Zone: 9-11

Small tree 10-20 ftPlant with caudexPlant used for bonsaiPlant form: Small tree; plant with caudex; suitable for bonsai
Plant mature sizeMature height: 10-20 ft
Full sunSun exposure: Full sun or bright light indoor
Cold toleranceCold tolerance: Frost sensitive. Protect from freezing.
Watering: Moderate. Water when top soil feels dryWater Requirement: Low. Allow soil to dry out between wateringsWatering: Moderate; tolerates dry conditions
Suitable forSuitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; small gardens, containers, and indoor growing
Ornamental foliageFoliage color: Ornamental foliage
Deciduous plantFoliage: Deciduous
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

Steganotaenia araliacea (Carrot Tree) is a native of South Africa and is related to the Carrot family. It's an intriguing plant with the crushed leaves having a distinctive carrot-like scent. The leaflets are pinnately compound with each one having a heavily toothed shape. The small, green to greenish-white flowers grow in umbels when the trees are without leaves.

For bonsai, this species forms a swelled trunk base with a mature height of 10-20 feet. It is moderately tolerant of water, although it handles dry conditions extremely well and prefers full sun exposure. The bark is yellowish gray-green and often peels off in papery strips. Steganotaenia araliacea is an excellent plant for hot and dry gardens and demonstrates great durability on steep, northern facing slopes.

When grown in a pot, the Carrot Tree ensures ornamental foliage and drought resistance. In colder regions, this species can sustain mature cold hardiness up to 30s F for a short time. Taking proper care of the Carrot Tree is key for bonsai success. Ensure adequate and full sun exposure, moderate water and dry conditions. In winter, avoid overwatering and water only when soil appears dry. Fertilize lightly in summer and ensure the root ball has sustained enough water. Consider using greenhouse protection when temperatures drop to dangerous levels and ensure the Carrot Tree is appropriately pruned for adequate air circulation.


Image gallery: 11 images
Steganotaenia araliacea (Carrot Tree) with green leaves and light white flower clusters tree view.
Steganotaenia araliacea (Carrot Tree) showing tall stems with green leaves and delicate white flower clusters.
Steganotaenia araliacea (Carrot Tree) vibrant green leaves on a close up plant branch structure.
Steganotaenia araliacea (Carrot Tree) foliage with serrated edges and bright green color on thin stems.
Steganotaenia araliacea (Carrot Tree) green leaves on a thin woody plant
Steganotaenia araliacea (Carrot Tree) tree with light green leaves and thin branches
Steganotaenia araliacea (Carrot Tree) with green umbrella-shaped flower clusters in a close up.
Steganotaenia araliacea (Carrot Tree) with delicate green flower umbels expanding from a central woody stem.
Steganotaenia araliacea (Carrot Tree) seeds with tan color on a plate close up.
Steganotaenia araliacea (Carrot Tree) seeds with tan color piled together on a plate.
Steganotaenia araliacea (Carrot Tree) vibrant green leaves on thin branches top down plant perspective
Steganotaenia araliacea (Carrot Tree) with serrated green leaves spreading from a central container base.
Steganotaenia araliacea (Carrot Tree) vibrant green serrated leaves on a close up plant branch.
Steganotaenia araliacea (Carrot Tree) foliage with serrated edges and light green coloration on thin stems.
Steganotaenia araliacea (Carrot Tree) plant with yellow-green umbrella flower clusters on tall slender stem.
Steganotaenia araliacea (Carrot Tree) stems extend upward holding wide umbrella flower clusters and green leaves.
Steganotaenia araliacea (Carrot Tree) yellow flower cluster in a close up view
Steganotaenia araliacea (Carrot Tree) cluster of tiny yellow flowers arranged in small umbels
Steganotaenia araliacea (Carrot Tree) yellow flower cluster on thin branch of potted tree plant
Steganotaenia araliacea (Carrot Tree) reaching upward with wide yellow flower clusters from a sturdy stem
Steganotaenia araliacea (Carrot Tree) yellow flower and green leaves on a plant.
Steganotaenia araliacea (Carrot Tree) with yellow umbrella-like flower clusters and thin green leaves.


Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/steganotaenia_araliacea.htm
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