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Calophyllaceae
Ceylon Ironwood Flower
Mesua ferrea
Sacred beauty and strength.
- Family
- Calophyllaceae
- Genus
- Mesua
- Native to
- Sri Lanka, India, Southeast Asia
- Bloom season
- Spring, Summer
- Type
- evergreen tree
- Height
- 50-65 ft
- Sunlight
- full sun to part shade
- Soil
- Well-drained, fertile, acidic
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- 10-12
- Lifespan
- perennial
Did you know
- Ceylon ironwood is the national tree of Sri Lanka, where it is called 'Na' and has deep cultural significance.
- The large white flowers with golden stamens are intensely fragrant, especially at night.
- The wood is so dense and hard that it sinks in water—one of the few timbers in the world with this property.
- In Hindu tradition, the tree is sacred to Lord Buddha and is often planted near Buddhist temples.
- Young leaves emerge in a striking bright red or pink color before maturing to dark green, adding year-round ornamental value.
Color meanings
0
beauty
1
courage
2
sacredness