Triplaris surinamensis (Long John)

Triplaris surinamensis (Long John) pink flower close up against a clear blue sky background
Triplaris surinamensis (Long John) with clusters of small pink flowers dangling from the slender branches

Botanical names: Triplaris surinamensis, Blochmannia weigeltiana, Triplaris cumingiana

Common names: Long John, Mulato Tree, Ant Tree, Vara de Maria

Family: Polygonaceae

Origin: South America, Surinam

USDA Plant Hardiness Map

USDA Zone: 10-11

Cold tolerance: 40°F

Large tree taller than 20 ftPlant form: Large tree
Plant mature sizeMature height: 20 ft or more
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
White, off-white flowersFlower color: White and off-white
Suitable forSuitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; large gardens
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

Triplaris surinamensis, commonly known as Ant Tree or Pink Poui, is a fast-growing tropical tree in the Polygonaceae family native to northern South America. It develops a tall, slender trunk and a narrow, upright crown, often reaching 30 to 60 ft in height. Leaves are large, simple, and elongated, creating a dense canopy. The tree is known for its showy inflorescences, where papery bracts in shades of pink to red surround small flowers, forming large, airy clusters that remain ornamental for an extended period.

This species prefers full sun and well-drained soil with regular moisture during establishment. Growth rate is fast in warm climates. Cold tolerance is limited, with damage likely below about 40F; best suited to USDA Zones 10 to 11. Triplaris surinamensis is best suited to large landscapes due to its size and rapid growth and can be grown in containers while young.


Image gallery: 9 images
Triplaris surinamensis (Long John) pink flower close up on a slender green fuzzy stem
Triplaris surinamensis (Long John) flower clusters with many pink petals along a hairy central stem
Triplaris surinamensis (Long John) tree with pink flowers against a clear blue sky
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Triplaris surinamensis (Long John) tree reaching upward with numerous pink flower clusters in sunlight
Triplaris surinamensis female tree in fruit, with developing winged seed clusters.
Triplaris surinamensis (Long John) tree with green leaves and tan spikes plant in full.
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Triplaris surinamensis (Long John) tree with its characteristic green foliage and narrow tan flower spikes.
Triplaris surinamensis male tree flowering, with long drooping tassel-like inflorescences.
Triplaris surinamensis (Long John) green leaves on a young plant in a black pot
Triplaris surinamensis (Long John) stems and large textured green leaves inside a black plastic nursery container
Triplaris surinamensis (Long John) magenta flower close up with soft textured petal parts
Triplaris surinamensis (Long John) magenta flower clusters with textured petals nestled near dark green leaves
Triplaris surinamensis (Long John) pink flower close up capturing delicate texture and elongated petals
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Triplaris surinamensis (Long John) pink flower clusters with narrow, slender petals in a close up
Triplaris surinamensis female flowers developing into winged fruits.
Triplaris surinamensis (Long John) with dangling tan flower clusters and large green leaves close up
large image
Triplaris surinamensis (Long John) with slender tan flower spikes extending above dark green tropical foliage
Triplaris surinamensis male flowers.
Triplaris surinamensis (Long John) with large green leaves and clusters of pink flower spikes.
Triplaris surinamensis (Long John) with vibrant green foliage and clusters of pink flowers against blue.
Triplaris surinamensis (Long John) pink flower clusters on a green plant, close up.
Triplaris surinamensis (Long John) pink flower clusters rise above the wide green leaves.


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