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Siamese Rough BushStreblus asper

Also known as Sandpaper Tree · Siamese Rough-Bush · Toothbrush Tree

  • Category: Ornamental
  • Type: Tree, Shrub
  • Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade
  • Water: Moderate
  • Temperature: Warm to Moderate

Siamese rough bush (Streblus asper) is a hardy, drought-tolerant shrub or small tree native to Southeast Asia, often used for hedges and screens.

Photograph © Sogellizer

Siamese Rough Bush Care Summary

At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data

Light

Full Sun to Partial Shade

75% intensity

Prefers bright, direct sunlight but can tolerate some shade, especially in very hot climates.

Watering

Moderate

50% intensity

Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid waterlogged conditions.

Soil

Well-drained

50% intensity

Temperature

Warm to Moderate

50% intensity

Thrives in temperatures between 18-29°C. Protect from frost; bring indoors if temperatures drop below 10°C.

Fertilizing

Moderate

50% intensity

Feed with balanced liquid fertilizer during growing season, diluted. Reduce in winter.

Siamese Rough Bush Toxicity

Safety information from plant toxicity data

Toxicity details for Siamese Rough Bush
AttributeValue
Toxic for humansNo

0/5 intensity

Toxic for petsNo

0/5 intensity

Siamese Rough Bush Quick Facts

Key traits and growing stats from plant data

Plant Type
Tree, Shrub
Plant Category
Ornamental
Plant Place Type
Garden, Pot
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Height
6-15 m
Spread
3-7 m
Growth Rate
Moderate
Dormancy
None
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Simple
Flower Size
Small
Optimal Sunlight Lux
60000

Care guide for Siamese Rough Bush

Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data

Water

Water regularly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid waterlogging, as this can lead to root rot. In hotter, drier periods, increase watering frequency.

Reduce watering in cooler months to prevent over-saturation.

Pruning

Prune to maintain shape, remove dead or crossing branches, and encourage bushier growth. Heavy pruning can be done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

Light trimming can be performed throughout the growing season to keep the plant tidy.

Propagation

Propagate from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant in a well-draining potting mix.

Keep the cuttings moist and in a warm, humid environment until roots develop, usually within 4-8 weeks.

Repotting

Repot young plants annually in spring to provide fresh soil and more space for root growth. Mature plants can be repotted every 2-3 years or when root-bound.

Use a well-draining potting mix and ensure the new pot has adequate drainage holes.

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Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.

Northern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · MayPeak fruit · Jun
FloweringFruiting
02468JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecActivity intensityMonths88
Southern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · AugPeak fruit · Aug
FloweringFruiting
02468JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecActivity intensityMonths88

Siamese Rough Bush Names & Synonyms

Common names and botanical synonyms

Common Names

  • Sandpaper Tree
  • Siamese Rough Bush
  • Siamese Rough-Bush
  • Toothbrush Tree

Synonyms

  • Achymus pallens Sol. ex Blume
  • Achymus patens Sol. ex Hook.f.
  • Albrandia gaudichaudii D.Dietr.
  • Albrandia orientalis D.Dietr.
  • Albrandia timorensis D.Dietr.
  • Calius lactescens Blanco
  • Cudrania crenata C.H.Wright
  • Diplothorax tonkinensis Gagnep.
  • Epicarpurus asper (Lour.) Steud.
  • Epicarpurus gaudichaudii Steud.
  • Epicarpurus orientalis Blume
  • Streblus lactescens Blume
  • Trophis aspera Retz.
  • Trophis cochinchinensis Poir.
  • Vanieria crenata (C.H.Wright) Chun

Siamese Rough Bush Taxonomy

Botanical classification

Taxonomic classification of Siamese Rough Bush
RankName
kingdomPlantae
divisionTracheophyta
classMagnoliopsida
orderRosales
familyMoraceae
genusStreblus
speciesStreblus asper

Siamese Rough Bush FAQs

Answers based on plant encyclopedia data

What are the light requirements for Streblus asper?

Streblus asper thrives in full sun to partial shade. It is quite adaptable to different light conditions.

How often should Siamese rough bush be watered?

Once established, Siamese rough bush is very drought-tolerant and requires infrequent watering. Overwatering should be avoided.

Can Streblus asper be pruned?

Yes, Streblus asper responds very well to pruning and is often shaped into hedges or other formal garden structures.

What type of soil is best for Siamese rough bush?

This plant is adaptable to a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It prefers well-drained soil.

Is Streblus asper suitable for container gardening?

While it can be grown in containers, Streblus asper is a woody shrub that typically grows larger and is better suited for in-ground planting where it can achieve its full potential.