Ceylon ironwood (na, bunnak) Mesua ferrea
Ceylon ironwood (na, bunnak) (Mesua ferrea) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Calophyllaceae family, native to Sri Lanka and India to Indochina and western Malesia. It grows 10–25 m (33–82 ft) tall and 5–10 m (16–33 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about 5 °C (41 °F). Space plants about 8 m (26 ft) apart.
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Ceylon ironwood (na, bunnak) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Calophyllaceae |
| Mature height | 10–25 m (33–82 ft) |
| Mature spread | 5–10 m (16–33 ft) |
| Spacing | 8 m (26 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 5 °C (41 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 11) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about March for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Sri Lanka and India to Indochina and western Malesia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇮🇳 India, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇸🇬 Singapore |
Is Ceylon ironwood (na, bunnak) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: seeds, seed oil
Seed oil was used for lamps and as a traditional ointment; not eaten.
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 Ceylon ironwood (na, bunnak)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Ceylon ironwood (na, bunnak)
- How far apart should I plant Ceylon ironwood (na, bunnak)?
- About 8 m (26 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 5–10 m (16–33 ft).
- Does Ceylon ironwood (na, bunnak) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Ceylon ironwood (na, bunnak) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Ceylon ironwood (na, bunnak)?
- It tolerates about 5 °C (41 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 11.
- When does Ceylon ironwood (na, bunnak) flower?
- From about March for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Ceylon ironwood (na, bunnak) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people mildly toxic. Seed oil was used for lamps and as a traditional ointment; not eaten.
- What grows well with Ceylon ironwood (na, bunnak)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Ceylon ironwood (na, bunnak). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Flora & Fauna Web, National Parks Board, Singapore
- eFlora of India, eFlora of India / Botanical Survey of India contributors
Notes and assumptions
- Tropical: needs warm nights all year; in a frosty climate grow it under glass or as a summer container plant.
- A dense, conical tree; new leaves hang in limp, bright red-to-pink flushes. Fragrant white four-petalled flowers with a big boss of golden stamens. National tree of Sri Lanka; planted at temples in Thailand, where its name means "merit".
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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