Morpankhi (Platycladus orientalis), the Oriental Arborvitae, is a compact, slow-growing ornamental conifer widely used in Indian gardens. Its distinctive flat, fan-shaped sprays of scale-like green foliage, arranged in vertical planes, resemble a peacock's feather, giving the plant its Hindi name. Naturally forming a dense, conical to rounded shape, it is ideal for formal hedges, borders, foundation plantings and pots. Hardy and tolerant of heat, pruning and varied soils, it stays attractive year-round and needs little care. Native to East Asia, it adapts well to the plains and hills of India and is a favourite for low-maintenance evergreen structure.
Specifications
| Family |
Cupressaceae |
| Native region |
China and East Asia |
| Mature height |
2-6 m |
| Mature spread |
1-3 m |
| Growth rate |
Slow to moderate |
| Foliage |
Scale-like green, flat vertical sprays |
| Flower colour |
ā |
| Flower season |
ā |
| Climate zone |
Subtropical to temperate |
Care guide
| Sunlight |
Full sun to light shade |
| Watering |
Moderate; water when topsoil dries |
| Soil / mix |
Well-drained loamy soil; tolerates many soils |
| Temperature |
5-40 C; hardy and adaptable |
| Humidity |
Moderate |
| Fertilizer |
Balanced fertilizer in spring and monsoon |
| Pruning |
Shears well into hedges and shapes |
| Repotting |
Repot potted plants every 2-3 years |
| Propagation |
Cuttings and seeds |
| Pests & problems |
Spider mites and bagworms in dry heat |
| Toxicity / safety |
Mildly toxic if ingested |
| Difficulty |
Easy |
Uses
Popular as a clipped hedge, screen, border and foundation shrub, and as a potted ornamental for entrances, balconies and formal gardens.
Growing tips
Thrives across most of India in full sun with well-drained soil; in dry summers water regularly and watch for spider mites, hosing down foliage to keep it lush green.