Kadamba (Neolamarckia cadamba) is a large, fast-growing deciduous avenue tree native to South and Southeast Asia. It forms a straight trunk and a spreading rounded crown of broad glossy leaves, making it a superb shade and street tree. In the monsoon it bursts into clusters of fragrant, ball-shaped orange flowers that draw bees and birds. Deeply rooted in Indian culture and mythology, it is associated with Lord Krishna. Tolerant of a wide range of soils and well suited to tropical and subtropical Indian conditions, it is widely planted in parks, roadsides, temple grounds and for timber and reforestation.
Specifications
| Family |
Rubiaceae |
| Native region |
South and Southeast Asia |
| Mature height |
15-25 m |
| Mature spread |
8-12 m |
| Growth rate |
Fast |
| Foliage |
Broad glossy semi-deciduous leaves |
| Flower colour |
Orange to yellow |
| Flower season |
Monsoon (June-September) |
| Climate zone |
Tropical and subtropical |
Care guide
| Sunlight |
Full sun |
| Watering |
Regular when young; drought-tolerant once established |
| Soil / mix |
Deep, well-drained loamy soil; tolerates many soils |
| Temperature |
20-40 C; thrives in warm climates |
| Humidity |
Moderate to high |
| Fertilizer |
Compost or balanced NPK once or twice a year |
| Pruning |
Remove dead or crossing branches; shape when young |
| Repotting |
Plant in ground; not a container tree long-term |
| Propagation |
Seeds and semi-hardwood cuttings |
| Pests & problems |
Generally pest-resistant; watch for borers |
| Toxicity / safety |
Non-toxic; flowers and bark used traditionally |
| Difficulty |
Easy |
Uses
Planted as a shade and avenue tree along roads, in parks and temple grounds. Valued for timber, paper pulp, traditional medicine and as a nectar source.
Growing tips
Plant at the onset of the monsoon in a deep pit with compost so the fast-growing roots establish before the dry season. Give young trees ample space as the crown spreads wide.