Candle tree, Parmentiera cereifera, is a beautiful, evergreen tree native to Central and South America. It reaches a height of up to 10 meters and it can adapt to a wide range of climatic conditions but, it prefers the lowland forest areas with a medium to high rainfall, frost free, full sun and reasonable drainage.

Leaves are winged petiole with three-ovated leaflets. Flowers are large, white or greenish-cream, bell shaped, borne all year, singly or in clusters, directly from the stem or branch tips.

Candle Tree Fruit

At the end of summer it produces many large elongate, banana-shaped fruits. The solitary fruits grow 10-18 cm long, on the trunk and large limbs of the tree. They have an external waxy yellow-red color and an internal white juicy, sweet flavor similar to sugar cane, flesh. The fruit is edible either raw or cooked and they are sometimes made into preserves. It is a staple in the diet in parts of Central America.

Candle Tree Propagation Methods

Propagation of the Candle Tree is by seed easily accomplished by planting the small seeds once removed from the fruit. It bears fruit in approximately 5 years. Not a demanding plant and not much attention is usually given to any cultivation requirements.

candle tree, Parmentiera cereifera

Click On Sitemap for a Complete List of Articles

Incoming search terms:

  • parmentiera edulis
  • parmentiera cereifera
  • medicinal use of parmentiera cereifera
  • candletree fruit
  • care for a candle tree plant
  • candle tree parmentiera cereifera medicinal uses
  • parmentiera cereifera edible
  • parmentiera cereifera propagation
  • parmentiera cerifiera tree from seed
  • 16 candle apple tree