Water
Water moderately when the top 2-3 cm of soil is dry. Reduce watering in cooler months to prevent waterlogging. Ensure good drainage to avoid root rot.
Overwatering is more detrimental than occasional underwatering for this species.
Also known as Blackbead · Camachile · Guayamochil
Monkeypod (Pithecellobium dulce) is a fast-growing, ornamental tree native to the Americas, known for its umbrella-like canopy and edible pods.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Good drainage is essential.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Warm
75% intensity
Thrives in warm temperatures; protect from frost. Ideal range is 20-30°C.
Light
25% intensity
Fertilize sparingly during the growing season with a balanced formula.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water moderately when the top 2-3 cm of soil is dry. Reduce watering in cooler months to prevent waterlogging. Ensure good drainage to avoid root rot.
Overwatering is more detrimental than occasional underwatering for this species.
Prune to shape the tree, remove dead or damaged branches, and improve air circulation. Light pruning can be done anytime, but heavier pruning is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Avoid excessive pruning.
Propagation is typically done from seeds, which germinate readily after soaking. Cuttings can also be rooted, but are generally more challenging. Seedlings require consistent moisture and warmth to establish well.
Repot young plants every 1-2 years in spring as they become root-bound. Mature trees can be repotted less frequently, every 3-5 years.
Use a well-draining potting mix and a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Monkeypod (Pithecellobium dulce)
Where Monkeypod (Pithecellobium dulce) is found

Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Pithecellobium |
| Species | Pithecellobium dulce |
Similar in genus Pithecellobium
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data