Burma padauk (pradu) Pterocarpus macrocarpus
Burma padauk (pradu) (Pterocarpus macrocarpus) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Fabaceae family, native to Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam (dry deciduous forest). It grows 15–30 m (49–98 ft) tall and 10–18 m (33–59 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about 3 °C (37 °F). Space plants about 12 m (39 ft) apart.
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Burma padauk (pradu) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Mature height | 15–30 m (49–98 ft) |
| Mature spread | 10–18 m (33–59 ft) |
| Spacing | 12 m (39 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 3 °C (37 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 42 °C (108 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 0–1 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam (dry deciduous forest) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇻🇳 Vietnam |
Is Burma padauk (pradu) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not reported as poisonous.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Burma padauk (pradu)
Good neighbours
- good With Sweet corn: "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils. Evidence C
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Onions, garlic and leeks are said to stunt beans and peas (allium root exudates may reduce nodulation). Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Beans and peas are traditionally kept away from onions, garlic and leeks. Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Fennel: Fennel is reported to suppress beans and peas growing next to it. Evidence C
Questions about Burma padauk (pradu)
- How far apart should I plant Burma padauk (pradu)?
- About 12 m (39 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 10–18 m (33–59 ft).
- Does Burma padauk (pradu) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Burma padauk (pradu) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Burma padauk (pradu)?
- It tolerates about 3 °C (37 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Burma padauk (pradu) flower?
- From about April for 0–1 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Burma padauk (pradu) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not reported as poisonous.
- What grows well with Burma padauk (pradu)?
- "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- PROSEA: Plant Resources of South-East Asia, PROSEA Foundation, Bogor
- Thai Plant Names (Tem Smitinand), revised edition, Forest Herbarium, Royal Forest Department, Bangkok
Notes and assumptions
- Dry-season deciduous. The whole crown turns gold for only a day or two after the first rains of April, around Thingyan in Myanmar, where padauk is the national flower worn in the hair. Rose-red, very valuable timber; flat, round winged pods.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Bush bean Phaseolus vulgaris
- Garden pea Pisum sativum
- Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus
- Runner bean Phaseolus coccineus
- Broad bean (fava) Vicia faba
- Lima bean Phaseolus lunatus
- Cowpea (black-eyed pea) Vigna unguiculata
- Yardlong bean Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis