African Oak Plant Care

African Oak (Lophira lanceolata) belongs to the Ochnaceae family within the Lophira genus. African Oak is native to tropical West and Central Africa. African Oak is also known as False Mungo Park, Red Ironwood, Lophira.

African Oak displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. African Oak produces small yellow flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

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

Lophira lanceolata tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. African Oak prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining sandy soil with organic matter. Good drainage is essential for African Oak to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed African Oak 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 sandy soil with organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

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

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