Consulta Plantas

Care of the tree Galpinia transvaalica or Wild pride of India

The Galpinia genus, family Lythraceae, includes 2 unique species of trees native to southern Africa: Galpinia transvaalica and Galpinia parviflora.

Common names: Wild pride of India, Pride of Transvaal. This species is native to South Africa.

They are trees or shrubs that reach 6 meters (19.68 feet) in height. The leaves are shiny, wavy, leathery and dark green; in early spring they turn bronze, red and gold just before falling. The flowers are attractive, white and appear in clusters but their flowering is brief.

These fast-growing trees or shrubs are used to form hedges, as isolated specimens, in bushy groups next to walls or buildings, in large pots for patios and terraces, and as bonsai.

The Galpinia transvaalica prefers a semi-shade exposure with a few hours of direct sunlight in the early hours of the morning. They do not resist temperatures below 6 ºC (42.8 ºF).

The soil can be a mixture of 40% coarse sand, 40% garden soil and 10% compost.

The adult specimens are quite resistant to drought; water regularly so that the substrate does not dry out completely.

Fertilize once a month with mineral fertilizer during the summer.

Prune lightly in mid-summer to control growth and maintain a compact appearance.

They are quite resistant plants to the usual pests and diseases.

They propagate easily from seeds or by cuttings.

Images of the tree Galpinia transvaalica or Wild pride of India