Abarema mataybifolia Plant Care

Abarema mataybifolia (Sandwith) Barneby & J.W.Grimes

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Jupunba mataybifolia is a species of flowering plant of the genus Jupunba in the family Fabaceae. It is a tree native to the Guianas and northern Brazil, where it grows in tropical moist forest.

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Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

60–85°F

Humidity

50–80%

At a glance

How do you care for Abarema mataybifolia?

Plant Abarema mataybifolia in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 13a) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Abarema mataybifolia Native To?

Native range4 countries

What Is the Abarema mataybifolia?

Abarema mataybifolia (Abarema mataybifolia) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Abarema genus. Abarema mataybifolia is native to the Guianas and northern Brazil.

Abarema mataybifolia displays a tall tree, spreading canopy growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Abarema mataybifolia produces showy clusters of small, fragrant flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Abarema mataybifolia?

Water a young or newly planted Abarema mataybifolia every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–14 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Abarema mataybifolia Need?

Abarema mataybifolia thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Abarema mataybifolia Prefer?

Abarema mataybifolia tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Abarema mataybifolia prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

60–85°F

Humidity

50–80%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Abarema mataybifolia?

Well-draining loamy soil mix with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Abarema mataybifolia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Abarema mataybifolia?

Feed Abarema mataybifolia every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Where Should You Plant a Abarema mataybifolia?

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil mix with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Abarema mataybifolia is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Abarema mataybifolia?

Abarema mataybifolia can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 20 ft (6.1 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

How Do You Prune a Abarema mataybifolia?

Prune Abarema mataybifolia while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

How Do You Care for a Abarema mataybifolia in Winter?

Abarema mataybifolia is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

How Do You Propagate a Abarema mataybifolia?

Abarema mataybifolia can be propagated through seeds, cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to abarema abbottii plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Abarema mataybifolia Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Abarema mataybifolia, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Abarema mataybifolia?

Abarema mataybifolia is susceptible to aphids, leaf miners, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Abarema mataybifolia Need?

Abarema mataybifolia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Abarema mataybifolia is native to the Guianas and northern Brazil. In cooler regions, grow Abarema mataybifolia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13a

Keep exploring plants

Abarema mataybifolia is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Abarema genus — compare its care with other Abarema species on PlantoScan.

Abarema is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.

Abarema mataybifolia thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Abarema Species

Other Abarema species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Abarema mataybifolia (Sandwith) Barneby & J.W.Grimes, family Fabaceae (first published in Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 74(1): 78 (1996)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Abarema mataybifolia, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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