Gaboon Plant Care

Gaboon (Aucoumea klaineana) belongs to the Burseraceae family within the Aucoumea genus. Gaboon is native to equatorial west Africa in Gabon, the Republic of the Congo, and Río Muni. Gaboon is also known as Gaboon Mahogany, Okoumé.

Gaboon displays a tall, evergreen tree growth habit, reaching up to 60 ft tall with a spread of approximately 25 ft. Gaboon produces small, inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Gaboon 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.

Gaboon thrives in partial to full sun.

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

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

Feed Gaboon every 8 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 partial to full sun and well-draining loamy soil mix with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Gaboon 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.

Gaboon can spread to about 25 ft (7.6 m) and reach about 60 ft (18 m) tall. Space plants about 25 ft (7.6 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 Gaboon 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.

Gaboon 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.

Gaboon can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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Gaboon is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects. 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.

Gaboon grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Gaboon is native to equatorial west Africa in Gabon, the Republic of the Congo, and Río Muni. In cooler regions, grow Gaboon as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.