A.J.B. Chevalier (Guibourtia ehie)

Photo: Charles LemairePublic domainvia Wikimedia Commons

A.J.B. Chevalier Plant Care

Guibourtia ehie (A.Chev.) J.Léonard

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Native to West Africa, this plant's most distinctive visual feature is its stunning reddish-brown heartwood. Highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique wood grain patterns, Guibourtia ehie is a beautiful and rare addition to any collection.

🌳Trees🌿Shrubs🍃Climbers & Vines
Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

65–85°F

Humidity

40–70%

At a glance

How do you care for A.J.B. Chevalier?

Plant A.J.B. Chevalier in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 13b) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

What Is the A.J.B. Chevalier?

A.J.B. Chevalier (Guibourtia ehie) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Guibourtia genus. A.J.B. Chevalier is native to West Africa, Cameroon, Gabon.

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

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

How Often Should You Water a A.J.B. Chevalier?

Water a young or newly planted A.J.B. Chevalier 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 A.J.B. Chevalier Need?

A.J.B. Chevalier thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the A.J.B. Chevalier Prefer?

Guibourtia ehie tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. A.J.B. Chevalier prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Temperature

65–85°F

Humidity

40–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a A.J.B. Chevalier?

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

How Often Should You Fertilize a A.J.B. Chevalier?

Feed A.J.B. Chevalier 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 A.J.B. Chevalier?

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.

A.J.B. Chevalier is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

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 A.J.B. Chevalier?

A.J.B. Chevalier 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.

How Do You Prune a A.J.B. Chevalier?

Prune A.J.B. Chevalier 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 A.J.B. Chevalier in Winter?

A.J.B. Chevalier is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). 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 A.J.B. Chevalier?

A.J.B. Chevalier can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to mutemba plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the A.J.B. Chevalier Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list A.J.B. Chevalier, 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 A.J.B. Chevalier?

A.J.B. Chevalier 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 A.J.B. Chevalier Need?

A.J.B. Chevalier grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. A.J.B. Chevalier is native to West Africa, Cameroon, Gabon. In cooler regions, grow A.J.B. Chevalier as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13b

Keep exploring plants

A.J.B. Chevalier 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 Guibourtia genus — compare its care with other Guibourtia species on PlantoScan.

Guibourtia is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.

A.J.B. Chevalier thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Guibourtia Species

Other Guibourtia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Guibourtia ehie (A.Chev.) J.Léonard, family Fabaceae (first published in Bull. Jard. Bot. État Bruxelles 19: 404 (1949)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list A.J.B. Chevalier, 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.
  • Photo: Charles Lemaire, Public domain, Wikimedia Commons — original.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, 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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