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 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| 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
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Combretaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Name status
Unresolved
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass, grow in 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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