African starfish flower Plant Care

African starfish flower (Hexalobus mossambicensis) belongs to the Annonaceae family within the Hexalobus genus. African starfish flower is native to Mozambique. African starfish flower is also known as African potato tree.

African starfish flower displays a small to medium-sized tree growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. African starfish flower produces small, fragrant yellow flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted African starfish flower 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.

African starfish flower thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Hexalobus mossambicensis tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. African starfish flower prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Rich, well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter like compost or leaf mold. Good drainage is essential for African starfish flower to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed African starfish flower 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 partial shade to full sun and rich, well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter like compost or leaf mold. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

African starfish flower is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 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.

African starfish flower can spread to about 10 ft (3 m) and reach about 15 ft (5 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.

Prune African starfish flower 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.

African starfish flower is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

African starfish flower can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to hexalobus bussei plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

African starfish flower is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, 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.

African starfish flower grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. African starfish flower is native to Mozambique. In cooler regions, grow African starfish flower as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.