Also known as Bintaro · Buta-Buta · Chatthankai
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Sea Mango (Cerbera odollam) is a striking tropical tree known for its glossy leaves, fragrant white flowers, and toxic fruit. It thrives in coastal regions.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
High
75% intensity
Prefers full sun to partial shade. Protect young plants from intense midday sun.
Moderate to High
75% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist, allowing the top layer to dry slightly between waterings. Ensure good drainage.
Sandy, loamy, well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate
75% intensity
Thrives in warm temperatures, ideally between 20-30°C. Protect from frost and cold drafts.
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength during the growing season (spring/summer).
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Highly toxic due to cardenolides, especially the seed.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
The Sea Mango prefers consistently moist soil, especially during its active growing season. Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry to the touch.
Reduce watering slightly in cooler months, but avoid letting the soil dry out completely. Good drainage is crucial to prevent root rot.
Prune the Sea Mango to maintain its shape and size, and to remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches.
Light pruning can be done at any time of year, but heavier pruning is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This encourages bushier growth.
Sea Mango can be propagated from seeds, which should be sown fresh as they lose viability quickly. Cuttings can also be taken from semi-hardwood in late summer or early autumn.
Ensure cuttings are treated with rooting hormone and kept in a warm, humid environment for best results.
Repot young Sea Mango plants every 1-2 years, or when they become root-bound. Mature plants can be repotted less frequently, perhaps every 3-4 years.
Use a well-draining potting mix and choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one. Repotting is best done in spring.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Sea Mango (Cerbera odollam)
Where Sea Mango (Cerbera odollam) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Apocynaceae |
| Genus | Cerbera |
| Species | Cerbera odollam |
Similar in genus Cerbera
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
