African ash Plant Care

African ash (Lannea transulta) belongs to the Anacardiaceae family within the Lannea genus. African ash is native to Yemen. African ash is also known as False marula.

African ash displays a small to medium-sized tree growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. African ash produces small clusters of white or yellow flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted African ash 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 ash thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Lannea transulta tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. African ash prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for African ash to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed African ash 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 with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

African ash 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.

African ash 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 ash 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 ash 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.

African ash can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to wild grape plant care, which shares the same genus.

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African ash 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 ash grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. African ash is native to Yemen. In cooler regions, grow African ash as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.