Thespesia populnea, commonly known as Portia Tree, Pacific Rosewood, or Indian Tulip Tree, is a semi-deciduous tree native to coastal forests and mangrove swamps in tropical regions around the Indian Ocean, including East Africa, India, Southeast Asia, and northern Australia. It typically grows to a height of 20-33 feet (6-10 meters) and has a spreading canopy that can be as wide. The tree is well-adapted to saline environments and often found near the sea, where its seeds are dispersed by ocean currents.

Thespesia populnea is valued for its attractive, hibiscus-like yellow flowers with a maroon or purple center that bloom throughout the year in warmer climates. The flowers are showy and can add a tropical flair to gardens. The tree’s bark is smooth and gray, and it may produce a rounded, woody capsule fruit. In cultivation, it is used for shade, as an ornamental plant, and sometimes in coastal reforestation projects. It is tolerant of a range of soil types, from sandy to loamy, and prefers full sun to part shade. It requires moderate watering and good drainage. While it is relatively easy to maintain, it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0