Upas tree - Antiaris toxicaria

Description and Uses

Antiaris toxicaria (Upas tree) is a tropical tree from East Africa. It is mainly grown for its poison herbicide crops (long shelflife), The crop is harvested by ground gathering. It starts flowering after 5 - 9 years. After 19 years the tree can be totally removed as it reached its commercial and ecological goal. Antiaris toxicaria has a lifespan of 50 years.

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Environmental limitations

The tree is 40 meters tall. It is fast growing and tolerates not less light than partial shade. Antiaris toxicaria has a shallow root-system and forms symbiotic relations (endo-mycorrhiza). It is not able to fix nitrogen. The tree`s flower-morphology is monoecious and is pollinated by .

Antiaris toxicaria thrives in an altitude of 1370 to 1700 meters above sea-level (tropical). The minimum temperature is 3°C and optimally between 18 - 25°C. The optimal rainfall is 2200 mm/year. Without irrigation the annual rainfall should be between 1200 - 2000 mm (L/m²). The optimal soil-pH is between 7.0 - 8.0 in a soil texture of clay.

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Pests and Diseases

and diseases.

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Seed Propagation

Seeds are and can be stored for 1 months. Unfortunately propagation instruction is missing.

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