Uncarina grandidieri

Frost Tolerance: Tender in Phoenix below 36°F ( 2°C), will probably grow back from roots, if frozen

Heat Tolerance: resistant

Sun Exposure: Light shade to full sun

Origin: Madagascar

Growth Habits: Deciduous shrub or small tree to 25 feet (7.5 m), trunk up to 1 foot in diameter (30 cm)

Watering Needs: Abundant water when growing, keep on the dry side when dormant

Propagation: Seeds, cuttings under mist.

This Uncarina blooms easily, and when covered with flowers, it is a striking vision. The seed capsules feature small hooked harpoons. Uncarina decaryi is a related species with similar flowers, but its leaves are more deeply lobed. This species is named after the collector Alfred Grandidier (1836-1921).

Culture:
Use diluted fertilizer on young plants to speed up growth.
Uncarinas are hosts for the geranium / tobacco budworm. The adult is a grey moth. The young budworms are small enough to tunnel through young stems and are particularly fond of flower buds. When older, they look like green caterpillar. They can do extensive damage. The caterpillars are resistant to many insecticides, and hand-picking them around dusk or dawn is the best control for small areas.