African birch Plant Care

African birch (Anthonotha ferruginea) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Anthonotha genus. African birch is native to Tropical forests of Africa. African birch is also known as African walnut.

African birch displays a tall, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 8 ft. African birch produces small clusters of fragrant white or pink flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted African birch every 7–10 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.

African birch thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Anthonotha ferruginea tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. African birch prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil mix with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for African birch to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed African birch 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.

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

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

African birch is suited to USDA Zone 11a – 12b.

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.

African birch can spread to about 8 ft (2.4 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 8 ft (2.4 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.

Prune African birch 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.

African birch is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

African birch can be propagated through seeds, root division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to sweetheart hoya plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

African birch is susceptible to aphids, leafhoppers, whiteflies. 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.

African birch grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. African birch is native to Tropical forests of Africa. In cooler regions, grow African birch as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.