Antrocaryon micraster Plant Care

Antrocaryon micraster (Antrocaryon micraster) belongs to the Anacardiaceae family within the Antrocaryon genus. Antrocaryon micraster is native to tropical Africa. Antrocaryon micraster is also known as African false shea butter tree.

Antrocaryon micraster displays a tall canopy tree growth habit, reaching up to 60 ft tall with a spread of approximately 40 ft. Antrocaryon micraster produces small greenish-yellow flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Antrocaryon micraster 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.

Antrocaryon micraster thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Antrocaryon micraster tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Antrocaryon micraster prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

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

Feed Antrocaryon micraster 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 with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Antrocaryon micraster 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.

Antrocaryon micraster can spread to about 40 ft (12.2 m) and reach about 60 ft (18 m) tall. Space plants about 40 ft (12.2 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 Antrocaryon micraster 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.

Antrocaryon micraster 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.

Antrocaryon micraster can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to amazonian antrocaryon plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Antrocaryon micraster is susceptible to scale insects, mealybugs, 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.

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