Kumbhi Tree (Careya arborea)

Product description

The flowers of the kumbi tree look unusual because of the protruding stamens. The base is coloured pink-red and towards the outside the stamens are white in colour. In India, the flowers are visited by birds and bats that carry the pollen on their bodies to the next flower. After pollination, the flowers are followed by green fruits with yellow, fibrous flesh. These fruits can be eaten fresh and so can the flowers and young shoots. The flowers are used, for example, to decorate local dishes. 

In the wild, the species grows as a tree with a maximum height of 15 metres. It is mainly found in drier, open areas, but can also be found in forests. The leaves are quite large at 30 cm and often grow clustered at the end of branches. The species can be kept as a houseplant, where you can provide sandy soil and a sunny location.

Sowing description: Soak seeds in water for 12 hours, then sow in sowing soil. Germination usually after a few weeks at 25-30grC, but can follow as long as the seeds are hard.