The Encyclopedia of House Plants

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Pisonia

Family: Nyctaginaceae.

Pisonia umbellifera Seem. (Pisonia brunoniana Endl) Common name(s): Birdcatcher Tree, Map Plant
Pisonia Syn. Heimerliodendron.

Genus of 50 species of evergreen trees, shrubs, and climbers from chiefly maritime habitats in tropical regions worldwide, but mainly in North and South America. This unusual indoor tree looks like a rubber Plant .

Pisonia umbellifera is all-green - the variety offered for sale as a house plant is variegata. The handsome leaves on form 'Variegata' of Pisonia umbellifera has fringe and large panels of white tissue, flushed pink with anthocyanin when young. This plant is called the bird-catcher tree because birds can become horribly entangled by the sticky fruits.

Growing conditions Watering and misting Propagation
Warm - minimum 60F in winter. As much light as possible. Shade from hot sun. Grow in soil-based potting mix. Keep compost moist at all times - reduce watering in winter. Mist leaves frequently. Take greenwood or semi-ripe stem cuttings in spring or summer. Use a rooting hormone and provide bottom heat. Sow seed at 59-64 F (15-18 C) in spring.

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