African Locust Bean Plant Care

African Locust Bean (Parkia biglobosa) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Parkia genus. African Locust Bean is native to a wide range of environments in Africa. African Locust Bean is also known as Dawadawa, Igba, Parkia biglobosa.

African Locust Bean displays a tall, spreading tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. African Locust Bean produces showy clusters of small, fragrant white flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

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

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

Well-draining loamy soil mix with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for African Locust Bean to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed African Locust Bean 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 mix with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

African Locust Bean 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 Locust Bean can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 20 ft (6.1 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 Locust Bean 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 Locust Bean 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 Locust Bean can be propagated through seeds, grafting. Similar propagation techniques also apply to two-colored parkia plant care, which shares the same genus.

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African Locust Bean is susceptible to aphids, leaf miners, scale insects. 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 Locust Bean grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. African Locust Bean is native to a wide range of environments in Africa. In cooler regions, grow African Locust Bean as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.