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Harpullia spp.
harpullia
Tropical Asia, Australasia, and the Pacific
Overview
Harpullia is a genus of about 26 species of evergreen shrubs and small to medium trees in the soapberry family, Sapindaceae. Most reach 10-65 feet (3-20 m) tall with a rounded to spreading crown and pinnate leaves bearing 4-12 glossy leaflets. Small greenish-yellow to cream flowers are carried in slender hanging clusters and are individually inconspicuous. The fruit is the most recognizable feature: an inflated, two-lobed capsule that ripens orange to yellow and splits to expose one or two rounded black seeds, each partly covered by a red to orange aril. Birds feed on the exposed seeds and disperse them. The genus ranges across tropical Asia, Malesia, New Guinea, northeastern Australia, and Pacific islands, where plants grow in rainforest and along forest margins. Several species, including H. pendula and H. arborea, are planted as street and shade trees in frost-free regions. Plants are frost-sensitive, and the larger species cast dense shade that limits planting beneath them.
Native Range
Native across the tropics of Asia and the western Pacific, from India and southern China through Southeast Asia and Malesia to New Guinea, northeastern Australia, and islands of the southwest Pacific. Plants grow in lowland and montane rainforest and along forest edges.Suggested Uses
Used as a shade and street tree in tropical and subtropical districts, spaced 20-30 feet (6-9 m) apart for canopy room. Smaller species suit large gardens and parkland. The lobed capsules are sometimes used in dried arrangements.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height10' - 65'
Width/Spread10' - 30'
Bloom Information
Flowering time varies with latitude, falling mainly in spring and summer. The small flowers give way to the lobed capsules, which can persist on the tree for several weeks. In cultivation the fruit display is the main seasonal feature rather than the flowers.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
greenish-yellow to creamFoliage Description
glossy greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight