African false thorn Plant Care

African false thorn (Piliostigma tortuosum) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Piliostigma genus. African false thorn is native to Tropical Africa, Nigeria, Cameroon. African false thorn is also known as Tortuous-stemmed piliostigma.

African false thorn displays a small to medium-sized tree growth habit, reaching up to 20 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. African false thorn produces small, yellow flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

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

Piliostigma tortuosum tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. African false thorn prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

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

Feed African false thorn 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 false thorn 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 thorn can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 20 ft (6 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 false thorn 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 thorn 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 thorn can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to malabar ebony plant care, which shares the same genus.

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African false thorn is susceptible to aphids, leaf miners, 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 thorn grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. African false thorn is native to Tropical Africa, Nigeria, Cameroon. In cooler regions, grow African false thorn as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.