Cussonia bancoensis Plant Care

Cussonia bancoensis Aubrév. & Pellegr.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Cussonia bancoensis, commonly called the aky tree, is a montane rainforest tree of the ginsing, or ivy family (Araliaceae) Believed to be originally endemic to Ghana, but now feral throughout tropical West Africa It is up to 40 metres (130 ft) height, with few branches, mostly vertical reiterations, each topped with a rosette of large five-pointed palmate leaves. The flowers are malodorous, and pollinated by flies.

Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

50–85°F

Humidity

40–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Cussonia bancoensis?

Plant Cussonia bancoensis in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F (10–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Cussonia bancoensis Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Cussonia bancoensis?

Cussonia bancoensis (Cussonia bancoensis) belongs to the Araliaceae family within the Cussonia genus. Cussonia bancoensis is native to Ghana.

Cussonia bancoensis displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 20 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Cussonia bancoensis produces small clusters of white or cream flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Cussonia bancoensis?

Water a young or newly planted Cussonia bancoensis 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 Cussonia bancoensis Need?

Cussonia bancoensis thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Cussonia bancoensis Prefer?

Cussonia bancoensis tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Cussonia bancoensis prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Temperature

50–85°F

Humidity

40–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Cussonia bancoensis?

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

How Often Should You Fertilize a Cussonia bancoensis?

Feed Cussonia bancoensis 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 Cussonia bancoensis?

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

Cussonia bancoensis is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

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 Cussonia bancoensis?

Cussonia bancoensis can spread to about 10 ft (3 m) and reach about 20 ft (6 m) tall. Space plants about 10 ft (3 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 Cussonia bancoensis?

Prune Cussonia bancoensis 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 Cussonia bancoensis in Winter?

Cussonia bancoensis is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). 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 Cussonia bancoensis?

Cussonia bancoensis can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to tree cabbage tree plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Cussonia bancoensis Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Cussonia bancoensis, 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 Cussonia bancoensis?

Cussonia bancoensis is susceptible to aphids, 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.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Cussonia bancoensis Need?

Cussonia bancoensis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Cussonia bancoensis is native to Ghana. In cooler regions, grow Cussonia bancoensis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 12a

Keep exploring plants

Cussonia bancoensis 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 Cussonia genus — compare its care with other Cussonia species on PlantoScan.

Cussonia is part of the Araliaceae plant family — browse all Araliaceae genera and species.

Cussonia bancoensis thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

Related Plant Care Guides

Closely related plants with similar care requirements:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Cussonia bancoensis Aubrév. & Pellegr., family Araliaceae (first published in Bull. Soc. Bot. France 84: 393 (1937 publ. 1938)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Cussonia bancoensis, 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 12a, 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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