Conocarpus erectus - 6" Pot

Conocarpus erectus, commonly called buttonwood or button mangrove, is a hardy evergreen tree of the Combretaceae family. Naturally found along tropical coasts of the Americas and West Africa, it has become one of the most extensively used landscaping trees in India, especially across Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and other warm, dry regions.

It is valued for its rapid growth, dense green (or silvery in the 'Sericeus' cultivar) foliage, and remarkable tolerance of drought, salinity, pollution and poor soils. It is widely used for road dividers, boundary screens and trimmed hedges because it responds well to repeated pruning.

Note: several Indian states and municipalities have restricted or banned new planting of Conocarpus owing to concerns over its heavy pollen (a reported allergen), aggressive water-seeking roots and high water uptake. Check local regulations before planting in quantity.

Specifications

Care guide

Uses

<ul><li>Fast-growing avenue, road-divider and shade tree in hot, dry cities</li><li>Dense evergreen privacy screens and trimmed boundary hedges</li><li>Stabilising and greening saline, sandy or degraded coastal soils</li><li>Topiary and formal clipped shapes due to its tolerance of heavy pruning</li></ul>

Growing tips

<p>Plant at the onset of the monsoon (June-July) so young trees establish with natural rainfall before the dry season. Choose an open, sunny spot and water deeply for the first few months until roots establish.</p><p>Keep it well away from buildings, drains, sewer lines and compound walls, as its vigorous roots seek water and can damage structures. Trim hedges 2-3 times a year. Before mass planting, confirm it is permitted, as some Indian municipalities have banned new Conocarpus planting.</p>