Dracontomelon duperreanumDragon Plum

Dracontomelon duperreanum is one of the great street trees of southern China, planted in quantity through Guangzhou and Hong Kong for its high, evenly domed canopy of glossy pinnate leaves. It reaches 20 to 30 metres on a straight bole and casts heavy shade from a comparatively young age.

Sprays of small greenish-white flowers in spring are followed by rounded yellow fruit, which is eaten fresh and preserved across its native range. In landscape work the tree is chosen for canopy first and fruit second.

Specifications

• Height20 to 30 metres
• Width10 to 15 metres
• Native toSouthern China, Vietnam and Laos
• FoliageLarge pinnate leaves with glossy oblong leaflets held in a dense crown; evergreen
• Growth rateFast

Conditions

• SoilPrefers deep, fertile, well-drained soils
• LightFull sun
• WaterModerate; needs reliable moisture through the warm season
• ClimateThrives in tropical and humid subtropical regions

Additional Features

• FlowersSprays of small greenish-white flowers in spring
• FruitRounded yellow drupes, eaten fresh or preserved within its native range
• UsesAvenue and boulevard planting, heavy shade in parks, campuses and civic grounds
• SpacingPlant 10 to 12 metres apart for avenue work
• Low MaintenancePrune to lift the crown clear of traffic; expect fruit drop in season
• Pest ResistanceGenerally sound and well proven as a street tree in southern China
• Wildlife AttractionFruit is taken by birds and fruit bats

The Dragon Plum is a large, fast, dependable shade tree for humid subtropical cities, and it has the street record to prove it.