Fabaceae
Alligator Wood: Full Sun Plant
Piptadenia gonoacantha
A full-sun tree that prefers well-drained soils and tropical to subtropical climates. Requires little care once established.
Every 10 days
Direct sun
15° - 35°C
40% - 85%
Categories
What is Alligator Wood?
Alligator Wood (Piptadenia gonoacantha) is a medium-care plant from the Fabaceae family. Piptadenia gonoacantha, popularly known as Alligator Wood due to its rough, protruding bark that resembles alligator skin, is a tree native to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. It is a fast-growing pioneer species, widely used in reforestation projects and urban landscaping due to its elegant canopy an...
Alligator Wood grows up to 20.0m, spread of 1000cm, watering every 10 days, 15°C â 35°C, 40â85% humidity. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many popular species, Alligator Wood is safe to keep around pets.
How to Care for Alligator Wood?
TLDR: Alligator Wood needs Direct sun, watering every 10 days, and temperatures between 15-35°C with 40-85% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Alligator Wood?
Water regularly during the first two years; once mature, it has good tolerance to drought periods.
How Much Light Does Alligator Wood Need?
Requires direct sun exposure to develop fully and form its characteristic bark.
What Is the Best Soil for Alligator Wood?
Adapts well to poor soils but prefers deep, well-drained soils.
What Pot Should You Use for Alligator Wood?
Not recommended for pots; it should be planted directly in the ground due to its large size and root system.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 180 days
What Is Alligator Wood and Where Does It Come From?
Piptadenia gonoacantha, popularly known as Alligator Wood due to its rough, protruding bark that resembles alligator skin, is a tree native to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. It is a fast-growing pioneer species, widely used in reforestation projects and urban landscaping due to its elegant canopy and resilience.
How to Propagate Alligator Wood?
Sowing
- Breaking dormancy with hot water for a few seconds can accelerate the process.
- 1 Collection and Preparation
Harvest the seeds when the pods begin to open spontaneously and lightly scarify them to break dormancy.
- 2 Sowing
Sow in seedbeds or individual containers with substrate rich in organic matter.
- 3 Transplanting
Keep in a semi-shaded area until the seedling reaches 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) before moving to its permanent location.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Alligator Wood Grow?
TLDR: Alligator Wood can reach up to 20.0m tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
20.0m
Spread
10.0m
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Deciduous
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
Meaning & Symbolism
Represents resilience and protection due to its thick and robust bark.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Fieldcap | Medium | Low light | 2d | â ïļ |
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | â ïļ |
| Muriel's Bamboo | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | â |
| Bougainvillea | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | â ïļ |
