Pentagonia macrophylla

[Darold Petty]

I ordered a few seeds, based on the vendor's description that this plant could grow in full shade.  While noodling around other sites, it is claimed that the plant requires full sun.  So which is it?

Ha-ha, full sun is quite scarce around my place !  Have I wasted my money ?    Thanks for any info about this plant.    

[Merlyn]

Though my experience is also limited to quick online searches, every place I found said "lowland rainforests" and most said it's typically an understory plant for part shade to deep shade.  The habitat pics I found were all in semi-closed canopy forest in Peru/Ecuador/etc.  It looks like a really neat plant!  Some places claim it's zone 9, which would be really surprising.  I found a thread here on it:

 

 

[Dypsisdean]

Darold, This is a sparse almost spindly tree with beautiful leaves. It is usually under 10 ft. with few stems. I have seen only one a little over 15 ft. I have quite a few growing.

It definitely prefers shade. But is also extremely sensitive to cold. I don't think it wants anything under 50º for sure.

[Tracy]

12 hours ago, Dypsisdean said:

Darold, This is a sparse almost spindly tree with beautiful leaves. It is usually under 10 ft. with few stems. I have seen only one a little over 15 ft. I have quite a few growing.

It definitely prefers shade. But is also extremely sensitive to cold. I don't think it wants anything under 50º for sure.

Bummer on that low temperature limit.   I was hoping you were going to say Dorian has one growing.   Who wouldn't be impressed by those leaves?

Sometime you will have to share a few photos of ypurs Dean.  Well Darold, you can try starting them in your greenhouse and donate them to a place with a temperature controlled Conservatory if you have success. 

[Darold Petty]

Thanks guys,  for all the comments. 

[realarch]

Darold, I’ve got P. wendlandii growing in a rather airy spot under medium canopy. It does not receive full sun. It’s also on a slope, so optimum drainage. I transplanted from a previous location under dense canopy that limited precipitation, the plant struggled. It is now thriving in its new home. 

Tim