Mundulea sericea subsp. madagascariensis Plant Care

Mundulea sericea subsp. madagascariensis Du Puy & Labat

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Mundulea sericea, the cork bush, is an attractive shrub or small tree which is found in relatively open woodlands of Africa and South Asia. It is the only member of the genus with a range extending beyond Madagascar, and it resembles some African shrubs in the related genus Tephrosia.

🌳Trees🌿Shrubs🍃Climbers & Vines
Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

60–80°F

Humidity

40–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Mundulea sericea subsp. madagascariensis?

Plant Mundulea sericea subsp. madagascariensis in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 13a) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Mundulea sericea subsp. madagascariensis Native To?

Native range58 countries

What Is the Mundulea sericea subsp. madagascariensis?

Mundulea sericea subsp. madagascariensis (Mundulea sericea subsp. madagascariensis) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Mundulea genus. Mundulea sericea subsp. madagascariensis is native to relatively open woodlands of Africa and South Asia.

Mundulea sericea subsp. madagascariensis displays a tall, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Mundulea sericea subsp. madagascariensis produces small clusters of white or pink pea-like flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Mundulea sericea subsp. madagascariensis?

Water a young or newly planted Mundulea sericea subsp. madagascariensis 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 Mundulea sericea subsp. madagascariensis Need?

Mundulea sericea subsp. madagascariensis thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Mundulea sericea subsp. madagascariensis Prefer?

Mundulea sericea subsp. madagascariensis tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Mundulea sericea subsp. madagascariensis prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Temperature

60–80°F

Humidity

40–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Mundulea sericea subsp. madagascariensis?

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

How Often Should You Fertilize a Mundulea sericea subsp. madagascariensis?

Feed Mundulea sericea subsp. madagascariensis 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 Mundulea sericea subsp. madagascariensis?

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.

Mundulea sericea subsp. madagascariensis is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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 Mundulea sericea subsp. madagascariensis?

Mundulea sericea subsp. madagascariensis can spread to about 6 ft (1.8 m) and reach about 5 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 6 ft (1.8 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 Mundulea sericea subsp. madagascariensis?

Prune Mundulea sericea subsp. madagascariensis 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 Mundulea sericea subsp. madagascariensis in Winter?

Mundulea sericea subsp. madagascariensis 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 Mundulea sericea subsp. madagascariensis?

Mundulea sericea subsp. madagascariensis can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to cork bush plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Mundulea sericea subsp. madagascariensis Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Mundulea sericea subsp. madagascariensis, 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 Mundulea sericea subsp. madagascariensis?

Mundulea sericea subsp. madagascariensis is susceptible to aphids, leafhoppers, whiteflies. 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 Mundulea sericea subsp. madagascariensis Need?

Mundulea sericea subsp. madagascariensis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Mundulea sericea subsp. madagascariensis is native to relatively open woodlands of Africa and South Asia. In cooler regions, grow Mundulea sericea subsp. madagascariensis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13a

Keep exploring plants

Mundulea sericea subsp. madagascariensis 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 Mundulea genus — compare its care with other Mundulea species on PlantoScan.

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

Mundulea sericea subsp. madagascariensis thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

Related Plant Care Guides

Closely related plants with similar care requirements:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Mundulea sericea subsp. madagascariensis Du Puy & Labat, family Fabaceae (first published in Legum. Madagascar : 423 (2002)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Mundulea sericea subsp. madagascariensis, 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.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, 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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