Cerbera floribunda (Cassowary Plum)
Botanical name: Cerbera floribunda
Common names: Cassowary Plum, Cassowary Plum Tree, Grey Milkwood
Family: Apocynaceae
Origin: Australia, New Guinea
Growing Cerbera floribunda is easy and can be done in two ways. You can either have a big tree taller than 20 feet, or a smaller one that stands 10-20 feet tall. Both varieties of trees can be grown outdoors in areas with a USDA Zone of 9-11.
Plant your Cerbera floribunda in an area that will receive full sun or semi-shade and water them regularly. Taking into account its natural habitat of tropical and sub-tropical regions, it is best to keep the soil moist at all times. Depending on your climate, you may need to water the tree more or less frequently.
If you are unable to plant the tree in the ground, you can place it in a pot. Make sure the container is large enough to accommodate the roots and allow for proper drainage. In colder climates, where the temperature drops below 50°F during winter, it is best to position the tree under a covered patio with plenty of direct sunlight. Keep it away from wind and provide it with regular water during summer and spring, while reducing the amount of water in winter.
The Cerbera floribunda is an ideal tree for home gardens, thanks to its fragrant, off-white with red center flowers, which attract many pollinators. The sap and fruit are poisonous to most animals, including humans, so take this into account when growing the plant.
Similar plants: Cerbera floribunda (Cassowary Plum)
