Mutemba Plant Care

Mutemba (Guibourtia arnoldiana) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Guibourtia genus. Mutemba is native to tropical western Africa from the Gabon, Republic of the Congo, western Democratic Republic of the Congo, and northernmost Angola (Cabinda). Mutemba is also known as Guibourtia arnoldiana.

Mutemba displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Mutemba produces small, inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Mutemba 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.

Mutemba thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Guibourtia arnoldiana tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Mutemba prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

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

Feed Mutemba 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 organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Mutemba 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.

Mutemba can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 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 Mutemba 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.

Mutemba 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.

Mutemba can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to false mopane plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Mutemba 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.

Mutemba grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Mutemba is native to tropical western Africa from the Gabon, Republic of the Congo, western Democratic Republic of the Congo, and northernmost Angola (Cabinda). In cooler regions, grow Mutemba as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.