Sterculia monospermaPing Pong Tree

The fruit is what people notice on Sterculia monospermaleathery follicles that ripen a startling scarlet, then split open along one side to show glossy black seeds sitting in a red boat. The tree carries them in clusters through late summer, and in Guangdong the roasted seeds are a festival food.

For the rest of the year it is a solid evergreen shade tree of 10 to 15 metres with large oblong glossy leaves and a dense, evenly built crown.

Specifications

• Height10 to 15 metres, occasionally to 20 metres
• Width6 to 10 metres
• Native toSouthern China, Taiwan and Indochina
• FoliageLarge, oblong, leathery glossy green leaves; evergreen
• Growth rateModerate

Conditions

• SoilPrefers deep, moist, well-drained soils
• LightFull sun to partial shade
• WaterModerate; performs best with steady moisture through the warm season
• ClimateThrives in tropical and humid subtropical regions

Additional Features

• FlowersSmall pink-red bell-shaped flowers without petals, carried in loose panicles
• FruitScarlet leathery follicles splitting to reveal glossy black edible seeds
• UsesPark and campus shade, avenue planting, courtyards and cultural landscape schemes
• SpacingPlant 8 to 10 metres apart for avenue and grove planting
• Low MaintenanceFormative pruning only; clear fallen fruit from paved areas in season
• Pest ResistanceRobust and generally untroubled
• Cultural SignificanceThe roasted seeds are a traditional festival food in southern China
• Wildlife AttractionRipe fruit is taken by birds and small mammals

The Ping Pong Tree is a dependable evergreen shade tree with a fruiting display that few canopy trees can match.