Neolamarckia cadamba (Kadam Tree) is a popular tropical tree that is native to Southeast Asia and large regions of southern India. All parts of Kadam plant can be used as for timber, medicine, food, paper, perfumes and as a shade or ornamental tree. In some cultures, the tree is considered holy and features in religious and mythological stories.
Suitable for Sub-Tropical and Tropical climates and is not tolerant of frost.
Neolamarckia cadamba is also commonly called the Burflower Tree, Laran, Cadamba Tree or the Leichhardt Pine.
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Growth
Neolamarckia cadamba is a flowering evergreen tree that grows to a maximum height of 45 metres (147 feet) and maximum spread of 30 metres (98 feet). Kadam trees grow considerably smaller outside of their native range but still produce a large broad crown with a long straight trunk.
If grown in warm conditions that range from 10 to 35°C / 50 to 95°F, Kadam trees will thrive with minimum fuss and will produce scented orange flowers in 4-5 years.
In cooler climates, avoid exposing the trees to frost as it can damage all parts of the plant. They can be grown successfully in containers but will require up potting prior to every growing season.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
For additional information visit our Growers Notes page or the list of the best gardening websites or check out the article about how to use your waste at home as a natural fertiliser.
FAMILY:
Rubiaceae
CLIMATE:
Sub-Tropical and Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
10 to 35°C / 50 to 95°F.
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining.
LOCATION:
Full sun.
HEIGHT:
Up to 45m (147 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 30m (98 feet)
pH:
5.0-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial Evergreen.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low.
POLLINATION:
Birds and Bees.
MATURITY:
4-5 years.
GERMINATION RATES:
55-75%
GERMINATION TIME:
3-4 weeks.
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 40
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
No
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage – 4°C (Fridge) 3 years
FACTS ABOUT NEOLAMARCKIA CADAMBA (Kadam Tree)
Neolamarckia cadamba is one of the most planted trees in the tropical world and is widely grown along avenues, roadsides and in parks for shade. The fallen leaves are an excellent fertiliser and is often mixed in with compost.
The timber of Kadam Trees is used for light construction, boxes, crates, basic furniture, pulp for paper and dug out to create canoes. Leaves are fed to livestock while the fruit and flowers are commonly eaten by some cultures in India.
Kadam flowers are an important material to produce Sandalwood perfume. An extract of the leaves can be used as a mouth gargle.
The Kadamba name is derived from the Kadamba Dynasty that ruled from the modern-day Indian state of Karnataka 345 CE to 525 CE, a dynasty that considered the tree to be holy.
Perhaps the Kardam Clan of Jatavs are the most protective, where their culture makes it forbidden to cut or harm a Kadam tree in any way.
