African False Truffle Plant Care

African False Truffle (Ongokea gore) belongs to the Olacaceae family within the Ongokea genus.

African False Truffle displays a small tree, upright growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft. African False Truffle produces small, inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted African False Truffle 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 False Truffle thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing African False Truffle in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Ongokea gore tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. African False Truffle prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for African False Truffle to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed African False Truffle 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 to full shade and well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

African False Truffle 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.

African False Truffle can spread to about 5 ft (1.5 m) and reach about 10 ft (3 m) tall. Space plants about 5 ft (1.5 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 False Truffle 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 False Truffle 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.

African False Truffle can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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African False Truffle 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 False Truffle grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow African False Truffle as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.