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Terminalia chebula

myrobalan

A medium to large species of deciduous tree native to South Asia reaching a height of around 300cm and trunk width of around 100cm with an umbrella-like habit. Leaves are alternate, ovate and dark green. Short panicles of dull white to yellow flowers appear in summer which have an unpleasant smell, followed by smooth, green oval fruits which turn yellow to orange-brown. The tree is used for both medicinal purposes and the fruit for making into preserves in some countries

Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer White Yellow Green
Autumn Green Green Yellow Orange
Winter Green Yellow Orange
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1B
Botanical details
Family
Combretaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Name status

Unresolved

How to grow

Cultivation

Under glass, grow in peat-free, loam-based compost with the addition of sharp sand in full sun. Water moderately and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser during the growing season. Outside, grow in moderately fertile, sandy soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed or layering in spring. Seed germination and growth may be slow

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • Low Maintenance
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning

See pruning group 1. Plant under glass need restrictive pruning

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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