Pterygota alata / Sterculia alata
Buddha Coconut
Tropical Chesnut

This tropical ornamental tree is native to India and surrounding areas and found in rainforests throughout the region. Small coconut like fruits peek out from forest green leaves from small red star-shaped flowers. The wide base of the trunk makes it a perfect bonsai specimen. 

This very rare plant produces a versatile multi-purpose tree that is perfect for the plant collector. Although a tropical plant it is moderately drought tolerant but must be protected from frost. Seedlings will need a lot of light to grow well. The plant is perfect for the household environment in addition to bonsai culture. Blossoms attract pollinators, like butterflies and hummingbirds, filling the plant with all kinds of activity. This tree is highly prized by collectors worldwide and seed is hard to get so don’t wait and buy yours today!


Fun Facts:

1.	Native to India and Asia
2.	Gum is extracted and used as a food thickener
3.	The name sterculia is from Roman mythology and means “god of manure”

USES:
Greenhouse
Outdoor Standard Zone 9+
Bonsai
Potted Deck Plant
Houseplant