Indian trumpet tree (broken bones tree, pheka) Oroxylum indicum
Indian trumpet tree (broken bones tree, pheka) (Oroxylum indicum) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Bignoniaceae family, native to Indian subcontinent to southern China and Malesia. It grows 8–15 m (26–49 ft) tall and 3–6 m (10–20 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 3 °C (37 °F). Space plants about 4 m (13 ft) apart.
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Indian trumpet tree (broken bones tree, pheka) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Bignoniaceae |
| Mature height | 8–15 m (26–49 ft) |
| Mature spread | 3–6 m (10–20 ft) |
| Spacing | 4 m (13 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; 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 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 9–17 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: young pods (grilled, bitter; with larb and nam phrik), young shoots and flowers (cooked) |
| Native to | Indian subcontinent to southern China and Malesia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇮🇳 India, 🇻🇳 Vietnam, 🇨🇳 China, 🇮🇩 Indonesia |
Is Indian trumpet tree (broken bones tree, pheka) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Eaten in small amounts as a bitter vegetable; no toxicity reported.
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 Indian trumpet tree (broken bones tree, pheka)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Indian trumpet tree (broken bones tree, pheka)
- How far apart should I plant Indian trumpet tree (broken bones tree, pheka)?
- About 4 m (13 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 3–6 m (10–20 ft).
- Does Indian trumpet tree (broken bones tree, pheka) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Indian trumpet tree (broken bones tree, pheka) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Indian trumpet tree (broken bones tree, pheka)?
- It tolerates about 3 °C (37 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Indian trumpet tree (broken bones tree, pheka) flower?
- From about June for 9–17 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Indian trumpet tree (broken bones tree, pheka) 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. Eaten in small amounts as a bitter vegetable; no toxicity reported.
- What grows well with Indian trumpet tree (broken bones tree, pheka)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Indian trumpet tree (broken bones tree, pheka). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) 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
- PROSEA: Plant Resources of South-East Asia, PROSEA Foundation, Bogor
- eFlora of India, eFlora of India / Botanical Survey of India contributors
Notes and assumptions
- A slim, sparsely branched tree with enormous leaves; fleshy purple flowers open at night on tall stalks and are bat-pollinated (they smell foul). The metre-long sword pods hang like swords from bare branches, and fallen leaf stalks pile under the tree like broken bones.
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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