Stinkwood

Piscidia carthagenensis

Native to:
Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, El Salvador, Galápagos, Guatemala, Honduras, Leeward Is., Mexico, Nicaragua, Panamá, Peru, Puerto Rico, Trinidad-Tobago, United States, Venezuelan Antilles, Virgin Islands, Windward Is.

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Fabaceae
Genus:
Piscidia
Species:
Piscidia carthagenensis
USDA Symbol:
PICA5

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Tree
Height:
1500 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
mar,apr,may
Bloom Colors:
pink, white

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies
Salt Tolerant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
well-drained, sandy loam soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
prefers coastal and riverine environments

Propagation & Germination

Scarification:
Seed coat scarification required before sowing
Notes:
Hard seed coat typical of Fabaceae; scarification improves germination rates.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI