Mesua ferrea (Ironwood)

Mesua ferrea (Ironwood) tree with vibrant red young leaves among deep green mature foliage.
Mesua ferrea (Ironwood) tree with vibrant red young leaves among deep green mature foliage.

Botanical name: Mesua ferrea

Common names: Ironwood, Cobra's Saffron, Ceylon Ironwood, Indian Rose Chestnut, Penaga Lili

Family: Calophyllaceae

Origin: Sri Lanka, India, Indo-China, Malaysia Peninsula

USDA Plant Hardiness Map

USDA Zone: 9-10

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 dryWatering: Moderate
Suitable forSuitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; large gardens
Irritating plantIrritating or toxic: Irritating
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

Stunning ornamental tree with bright red young leaves which gives the tree unforgettable appearance. White flowers with yellow centers similar to Fried Egg Tree flowers (Onchoba spinosa). In tropics, it grows into a large evergreen tree, often buttressed at the base; with trunk up to 3 feet in diameter. The wood of Mesua ferrea is very heavy, it is used for railroad ties and building needs. Its resin is slightly poisonous, but many parts have medicinal properties. Parts Used: Flower buds, flowers, fruit, seed, root, bark, oil. Dried flower: astringent stomachic, carminative, cardiotonic, blood tonic. Leaf: external use for wound healing. Propagation: Seeds or cuttings.

Similar plants: Mesua ferrea (Ironwood)


Image gallery: 8 images
Mesua ferrea green leaves on a thin branch showing a close up view
Mesua ferrea branch with smooth elongated green leaves extending from the stem
Mesua ferrea (Ironwood) plant with vibrant red new growth and dark green mature leaves.
Mesua ferrea (Ironwood) young leaves transition from shades of red to deep green foliage.
Mesua ferrea (Ironwood) plant with copper pink new leaves close up on tree branches
Mesua ferrea (Ironwood) branches with young leaves in shades of copper and pink.
Mesua ferrea (Ironwood) plant with copper red leaves in a dense tree crown formation
Mesua ferrea (Ironwood) tree top showing a dense mix of copper red and dark green foliage
Mesua ferrea (Ironwood) plant with vibrant red leaves on slender branches for a decorative look
Mesua ferrea (Ironwood) branches with slender, red leaves reaching out from the main woody stem
Mesua ferrea (Ironwood) tree with orange and dark green leaves in a dense canopy
Mesua ferrea (Ironwood) tree branches filled with orange new foliage among deep dark green leaves
Mesua ferrea (Ironwood) plant with vibrant pink new growth and mature dark green leaves.
Mesua ferrea (Ironwood) branches with delicate pink young leaves alongside deep green mature foliage.
Mesua ferrea (Ironwood) tree with narrow green and pink leaves in a lush canopy
Mesua ferrea (Ironwood) tree with many branches filled with narrow pink and deep green leaves.


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