Portia tree

Portia tree

Thespesia populnea

Thespesia
Malvaceae
Tropical Plants
Zone 1012
🐾 Pet-Safe
🌱 Beginner Friendly

The Portia tree is a fast-growing tropical coastal tree that tolerates salt spray, wind, and periods of dryness once established, making it excellent for seaside gardens. Plant in full sun to partial shade with well-draining sandy or loamy soil, and water regularly only until the tree is established. Its striking yellow hibiscus-like flowers and attractive foliage make it a rewarding low-maintenance landscape specimen.

Care Requirements

Care Level

Low

Sun

Partial Shade

Water

Moderate

Growth Rate

Fast

Mature Height

240″ – 480″

Soil

loam

Life Cycle

Perennial

Spacing

120

Flowers

mixed

Watering Schedule

Every 10-14 Days • Water Deeply To Saturate The Root Zone, Then Allow Soil To Dry Moderately Between Waterings

Soil pH

6 – 7.5

Temperature

50°100°F

Mature Spread

up to 240

Root Depth

Deep

Foliage

Medium

Propagation: Seed

Ecology & Origin

Native to

Aldabra
Andaman Is.
Aruba
Assam
Bahamas
Bangladesh
Belize
Benin
Bermuda
Bismarck Archipelago
Borneo
Brazil Northeast
Burkina
Cambodia
Cameroon
Cape Verde
Caroline Is.
Cayman Is.
China Southeast
Cocos (Keeling) Is.

Attracts

🐝 Bees
🐝 Butterflies
🐝 Hummingbirds
Safety & Use
⚕ Medicinal
🐾 Pet-safe

Sources

Data: trefle

Image: trefle.io — Taken Aug 15, 2021 by Pierre-Émile Grollimund (cc-by-sa)

Hardiness Zones
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Available From (0)

No nurseries currently have this species in stock.