Mesua ferrea (Sri Lankan Ironwood, Indian Rose Chestnut, Cobra's Saffron)


Botanical Information

FamilyCalophyllaceae
GenusMesua
Speciesferrea
CategoryTropicals, Woody
TypeTree (evergreen)
OriginEastern and Southern Asia.
Ethnobotanical Uses
Disclaimer
National tree of Sri Lanka and state flower of Tripura and Mizoram.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone11 - 13
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneRequires cold seasons protection under glass.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH1a - H1c
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)4 - 45
Temperature (°F)39.2 - 113
HeightOver 30 m
GrowthSlow

Description and Growing Information

LandscapeBest suited for ornamental use due to the graceful shape and attractive foliage and flowers.
CultivationBest grown in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil.
Notable SpecimensSakunothayan Botanic Garden, Wang Tong, Phitsanulok, Thailand
HabitatWet tropical areas.
Bark/Stem DescriptionBark brown with irregularly large flaky peelings.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionThe flowers are 4 – 7.5 cm diameter, with four white petals and a centre of numerous yellow stamens.
Leaf DescriptionSimple, narrow, oblong, oblong to lanceolate. Leaves are 7 – 15 cm long.
Flower DescriptionLarge and fragrant.
Fruit DescriptionWrinkled when ripe. Resembles a chestnut. Berry, ovoid to globose, apiculate, striate, 1-4 seeded.
Colour DescriptionBark is ashy grey. Foliage is blue-grey to dark green. Flowers are white.

Photographs