Crateva religiosaSacred Garlic Pear

Crateva religiosa, the Sacred Garlic Pear, is a medium-sized tree with trifoliate leaves that drops its foliage briefly in spring and then flowers on near-bare branches: heads of cream flowers ageing to yellow, each with a spray of long protruding stamens that gives the whole crown a soft, whiskered look.

It has been planted at temples across South and Southeast Asia for centuries, and in contemporary work it holds the same role as a feature tree in parks, riverside walks and civic gardens.

Specifications

• Height6 to 15 metres
• Width5 to 10 metres
• Native toSouth and Southeast Asia and the Pacific islands
• FoliageTrifoliate leaves with lance-shaped leaflets; briefly deciduous ahead of flowering
• Growth rateModerate

Conditions

• SoilPrefers moist, well-drained soils; naturally a riverbank tree and tolerates periodic inundation
• LightFull sun to partial shade
• WaterModerate
• ClimateThrives in tropical and subtropical regions

Additional Features

• FlowersShowy heads of cream flowers ageing to yellow, with long protruding stamens, on near-bare branches in spring
• FruitRounded woody berries following the flowers
• UsesIdeal as a feature tree for parks, temple and civic gardens, riverside walks and street planting
• SpacingPlant 6 to 8 metres apart for grouped or avenue planting
• Low MaintenanceMinimal pruning once the framework is set
• Pest ResistanceGenerally resilient
• Wildlife AttractionNectar-rich flowers draw bees and butterflies, and the tree is a larval host for several butterfly species
• Cultural SignificanceLong planted at temples across South and Southeast Asia

The Sacred Garlic Pear brings a short, striking flowering season and a long cultural association to a park or civic garden.