Tapura carinata Plant Care

Tapura carinata (Tapura carinata) belongs to the Dichapetalaceae family within the Tapura genus. Tapura carinata is native to the Republic of the Congo and Gabon. Tapura carinata is also known as Brazilian plum, Abiu de espinho.

Tapura carinata displays a small tree or shrub growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 8 ft. Tapura carinata produces small, inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Tapura carinata every 7–10 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.

Tapura carinata thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Tapura carinata tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Tapura carinata prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, acidic soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Tapura carinata to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Tapura carinata 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 shade to full sun and well-draining, acidic soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Tapura carinata is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

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.

Tapura carinata can spread to about 8 ft (2.4 m) and reach about 10 ft (3 m) tall. Space plants about 8 ft (2.4 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 Tapura carinata 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.

Tapura carinata 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.

Tapura carinata can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to spider tree plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Tapura carinata 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.

Tapura carinata grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Tapura carinata is native to the Republic of the Congo and Gabon. In cooler regions, grow Tapura carinata as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.