Gamboge Mulberry, Coralwood
maclura cochinchinensis
Also known as: ["Gamboge Mulberry","Coralwood"]
Overview
A tropical tree species native to Southeast Asia, known for its hard wood and potential medicinal uses.
Benefits & Perks
["disease resistant","shade tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Moraceae |
| Genus: | Maclura |
| Botanical Name: | Maclura cochinchinensis |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden in a sheltered spot with good air circulation
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually or every 2–3 years, or as needed to control size and shape.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if necessary, but avoid heavy pruning unless required.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade but may stretch in low light.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense light, protect from direct midday sun, adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter harsh light; move outdoors in spring/summer for stronger light.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry between waterings, avoid overwatering.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a mix of potting soil and perlite; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Prefers 65–85°F (18–29°C); thrives in warm, stable conditions; sensitive to cold drafts.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from frost; maintain stable conditions during dormancy.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth with balanced fertilizer
Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; avoid overfertilizing.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a healthy cutting, apply rooting hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, wait for roots.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (75–85°F), indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand or cactus mix.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; establishment can take several months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning, heading back, and removal of dead/damaged stems.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or overcrowded stems.
Tools
Pruning shears, sterilizing solution, gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune during dormancy or after flowering, remove dead growth, shape as desired.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if needed, place in new pot with fresh soil, water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and soil refresh.
Checklist
Check root bound status, prepare new pot with drainage, trim roots if necessary, use fresh soil, water lightly.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water thoroughly, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensure water penetrates deeply, allow excess to drain, water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage, incorporate compost for fertility, ensure aeration with organic matter.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves, leaf drop, stunted growth, or wilting in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf drop, increases susceptibility to root rot due to reduced evaporation.
Solution: Move to a warmer location, insulate pots, avoid cold drafts, reduce watering in cool conditions.
Hot Stress
Leaf scorch, wilting, reduced vigor, and potential dehydration in excessive heat.
Solution: Provide shade, increase humidity, water more frequently, ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase, use diluted fertilizer, apply during growing season, flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); cease in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicMaclura cochinchinensis is not considered toxic to cats. The plant does not appear on lists of toxic plants for felines in veterinary literature.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicThere are no known toxic effects of Maclura cochinchinensis on dogs. The plant is not listed as harmful to canines in veterinary toxicology resources.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicMaclura cochinchinensis is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. It has been used in traditional medicine and as a food source in some regions without reported toxicity.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Maclura cochinchinensis toxic to pets?
A: There is insufficient data on its toxicity to pets.
Q: What are the primary uses of this plant?
A: It is valued for its hard wood and potential medicinal properties.
Q: How difficult is it to care for this plant?
A: It requires moderate care and maintenance, suitable for intermediate gardeners.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Moraceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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