Leathery Stryphnodendron Plant Care
Stryphnodendron coriaceum Benth.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Stryphnodendron coriaceum, also known as the "Mangabeira," is a striking evergreen tree with glossy, dark green leaves that have a distinctive leathery texture. This tree is popular among plant enthusiasts for its ability to thrive in harsh conditions and its beautiful umbrella-like canopy.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun
60–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Leathery Stryphnodendron?
Plant Leathery Stryphnodendron in full sun (USDA zones 10b–12b) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C). Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
What Is the Leathery Stryphnodendron?
Leathery Stryphnodendron (Stryphnodendron coriaceum) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Stryphnodendron genus. Leathery Stryphnodendron is native to Brazil.
Leathery Stryphnodendron displays a tall tree, spreading canopy growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Leathery Stryphnodendron produces small yellow flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Leathery Stryphnodendron?
Water a young or newly planted Leathery Stryphnodendron 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 Leathery Stryphnodendron Need?
Leathery Stryphnodendron thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Leathery Stryphnodendron Prefer?
Stryphnodendron coriaceum tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Leathery Stryphnodendron prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Leathery Stryphnodendron?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Leathery Stryphnodendron to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Leathery Stryphnodendron?
Feed Leathery Stryphnodendron every 8 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 8 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 Leathery Stryphnodendron?
Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Leathery Stryphnodendron 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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Leathery Stryphnodendron?
Leathery Stryphnodendron 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.
How Do You Prune a Leathery Stryphnodendron?
Prune Leathery Stryphnodendron 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 Leathery Stryphnodendron in Winter?
Leathery Stryphnodendron 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.
How Do You Propagate a Leathery Stryphnodendron?
Leathery Stryphnodendron can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to barbatimão plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Leathery Stryphnodendron Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Leathery Stryphnodendron, 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 Leathery Stryphnodendron?
Leathery Stryphnodendron is susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, leafhoppers. 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 Leathery Stryphnodendron Need?
Leathery Stryphnodendron grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Leathery Stryphnodendron is native to Brazil. In cooler regions, grow Leathery Stryphnodendron as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Leathery Stryphnodendron 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 Stryphnodendron genus — compare its care with other Stryphnodendron species on PlantoScan.
Stryphnodendron is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.
Leathery Stryphnodendron 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: Stryphnodendron coriaceum Benth., family Fabaceae (first published in Trans. Linn. Soc. London 30: 373 (1875)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Leathery Stryphnodendron, 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 10b – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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.
