Dendrosicyos socotrana

Also Known As

Cucumber Tree

Plant type

tree, cactus / succulent

size

H: 8'-20'
W: 2'-10'

planting zones

9a-12

More Options

Dendrosicyos socotrana plant details

Dendrosicyos socotrana is a deciduous cactus / succulent or tree with green foliage. In fall yellow and insignificant flowers flowers emerge Flowers are not showy, but nurture a healthy ecosystem as wildlife habitat. followed by brown and green fruit. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular water. Prefers to be dry in winter. Does well in alkaline, average, gritty, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Dendrosicyos socotrana

Plant type: cactus / succulent or tree
Plant family: cucurbitaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 2 FT - 10 FT - wide, 8 FT - 20 FT - tall
Flowers: yellow and insignificant flowers blooms in fall
Uses: container plant, houseplant, rare, tropical-looking

GROWING CONDITIONS for Dendrosicyos socotrana

USDA Zones: 9a - 12
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular
Resistant to: heat
Soil needs: alkaline, average, gritty, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A legendary tree from the mystical island of Socotra, off the coast of Yemen. Also known as the Cucumber Tree, it is a member of the Cucurbit family and the only species belonging to the genus Dendrosycios. Grows into a large tree eventually with white bark and dark green, deeply lobed, spiny leaves. Drought deciduous, will drop leaves in hot dry weather. Semi dormant in the fall and winter. Treat it like a tropical tree - during the growing season, it prefers to be "spoiled." Lots of water, fertilizer, and rich soil. Back off watering and feeding significantly during the winter. Flowers and fruits in the fall. This is an extremely rare and collectible tree!