Narra
Pterocarpus indicus
Narra
About this plant
Pterocarpus indicus, commonly known as Narra, is a large tropical tree valued for its beautiful hardwood and ornamental qualities. It has bright yellow flowers and distinctive winged seed pods. The wood is prized for furniture and carvings. Narra is also the national tree of the Philippines and symbolizes strength and resilience.
Taxonomy
- Genus
- Pterocarpus
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Higher classification
- Fabales
- Plant type
- Tree
- Lifespan
- Perennial
Origin & Distribution
- Native region
- Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Southeast Asia
- Distribution
- Native to Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and also cultivated in tropical regions worldwide.
Care
- Light preference
- Full sun
- Suitable locations
- Outdoor, Balcony, Greenhouse
- Preferred window facing
- South-facing, West-facing
- Watering frequency
- Moderate
- Watering interval
- 3–10 days
- Humidity
- Normal
- Minimum
- 15 °C
- Maximum
- 40 °C
- Optimal
- 20-30 °C
- USDA hardiness zones
- 10-12
- Soil pH
- 6.0-7.5
- Soil type
- well-draining loam, sandy loam
Watering. Water young trees regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Mature trees are drought tolerant and require less frequent watering.
Fertilizing. Apply a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to support healthy growth, especially for young trees. Mature trees usually require less frequent feeding.
Pterocarpus indicus is a fast-growing tree that adapts well to various soil types and can tolerate some drought once established. It prefers full sun but can handle partial shade. Regular watering is needed when young, but mature trees are quite hardy. Watch for pests and diseases in humid climates, and prune to maintain shape and health.
Propagation
- Propagation methods
- Seeds, Cuttings
- Care difficulty
- Medium
Ornamental features
- Flowering
- Yes
- Flowering period
- spring
Bright yellow flowers, large spreading canopy, and distinctive winged seed pods.
Toxicity & Safety
- Toxic to humans
- Non-toxic
- Toxic to pets
- Non-toxic
- Weed potential
- Not considered a weed
Generally non-toxic to humans and pets, but avoid ingestion of seeds or bark. Sap may cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Allergy information
- Allergy risk
- Low
- Allergy triggers
- Pollen, Sap or latex
- Pollen level
- Moderate
Pterocarpus indicus may cause mild allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, mainly due to its pollen. People with tree pollen allergies should be cautious during its flowering season. To reduce exposure, avoid close contact with flowers and wear a mask if handling the tree during blooming.
Common problems
Common problems include leaf spots, fungal diseases in humid areas, and occasional pest infestations like aphids or caterpillars. Overwatering young plants can cause root rot.
Uses
Used as an ornamental shade tree and for its valuable hardwood in furniture and carvings. Also planted for reforestation and soil improvement due to nitrogen-fixing ability.
Notes
Prune after flowering to maintain shape and remove dead wood. Young trees benefit from protection against strong winds. Repotting is not applicable as it is a large tree typically grown outdoors.