Uapaca bojeri
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Uapaca bojeri

Tapia tree

Tier 2 Difficulty: easy Water: low Light: full_sun
Temperature
20–37 °C
Soil pH
6–7
Hardiness
Zone 10–12
Click count
2
Observations
8

Description

Source: wikipedia (CC BY-SA)

Uapaca bojeri, or tapia, is a tree species endemic to Madagascar. A characteristic element of the Madagascan flora, it occurs in the central highlands, where it dominates a type of sclerophyllous forest or woodland. Tapia forest has a high ecological value due to the fauna, flora, and funga it harbours, and is of economic interest to the local population, e.g. for collection of tapia fruits, firewood, mushrooms or wild silkworms, and hunting. Local impact through fire and cutting is seen as a form of sustainable use however tapia woodlands are now found only in scattered, isolated stands totaling at most 132,255 ha. Native woody vegetation of the central highlands is increasingly replaced by grasslands, primarily due to increased fire frequency as areas are burned annually.

Care Guide

💧 Water

The Tapia tree flourishes in semi-arid climates due to its exceptional drought tolerance. It only needs watering every 2 to 3 weeks. As an evergreen, it keeps its leaves throughout the year, which helps conserve water during dry periods.

☀️ Light Full sun

The Tapia tree is native to open habitats, such as sunny meadows and forest edges, which supply abundant light. It thrives in Full Sun but can also tolerate Partial Sun, adapting well to different sunlight levels.

Ideal: Full sun
🌡️ Temperature 20–37.8°C

The Tapia tree comes from tropical areas, where the climate is generally warm and humid. Consequently, it is adapted to high temperatures and humidity. It is sensitive to sudden temperature changes and prefers a steady thermal environment, so avoiding temperature fluctuations indoors is important. It typically does not tolerate cold and requires warmer conditions for growth. If the surrounding temperature falls too low, the plant may stop growing or even die.

Ideal temperature: 20–37.8°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-7
Soil pH: 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer

Fertilization is essential for caring for the Tapia tree. Regular feeding throughout the growing season preserves the energy needed for its showy foliage and supports overall growth. Failing to fertilize can lead to unhealthy leaves, reduced ornamental value, and stunted or weak growth that is more likely to break.

🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning

To maintain the health and structure of a tapia tree, it is best to prune it from early to late winter before new growth begins. Start by removing any dead branches and thinning out dense areas to improve airflow, which supports healthy growth and fruit production. Regular pruning also aids in managing the tree's size and enhancing its appearance.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Tree
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Uapaca
Family
Phyllanthaceae
Hardiness Zone
10-12
Mature Height
3.05 m to 11.89 m
Mature Spread
4.88 m to 7.92 m
Leaf Color
Dark Green
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
Yellow
Flower Size
0.51 cm to 1.02 cm
Bloom Time
Early fall, Mid fall
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
Winter
Native Area
Madagascar

Tags (5)

Common Names (1)

en Tapia tree