Jelutong Dyera costulata
Jelutong (Dyera costulata) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Apocynaceae family, native to Lowland forest of southern Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Sumatra and Borneo. It grows 40–60 m (131–197 ft) tall and 15–25 m (49–82 ft) wide, wants full sun and high water, and is hardy to about 12 °C (54 °F). Space plants about 15 m (49 ft) apart.
Plan Jelutong in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Jelutong at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Apocynaceae |
| Mature height | 40–60 m (131–197 ft) |
| Mature spread | 15–25 m (49–82 ft) |
| Spacing | 15 m (49 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 4–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 12 °C (54 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 12) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | from about March for 3–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Lowland forest of southern Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Sumatra and Borneo |
| Common in gardens of | 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇹🇭 Thailand |
Is Jelutong toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
The white latex was the base of chewing gum; 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 Jelutong
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and high water.
See Jelutong in a botanical garden
It grows in this sample garden, which you can walk through in 3D:
- Singapore Botanic Gardens (1 plants)
Questions about Jelutong
- How far apart should I plant Jelutong?
- About 15 m (49 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 15–25 m (49–82 ft).
- Does Jelutong need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Jelutong need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Jelutong?
- It tolerates about 12 °C (54 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 12.
- When does Jelutong flower?
- From about March for 3–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Jelutong poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not known to be toxic. The white latex was the base of chewing gum; no toxicity reported.
- What grows well with Jelutong?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Jelutong. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Flora & Fauna Web, National Parks Board, Singapore
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Singapore Botanic Gardens: Rainforest, National Orchid Garden, Ginger Garden, Learning Forest, National Parks Board, Singapore
Notes and assumptions
- Tropical lowland plant: outdoors only where it never frosts (as in Singapore); elsewhere it needs a heated glasshouse.
- Leaves in whorls at the shoot tips; tiered branches; a straight grey bole. Paired woody pods split to release winged seeds.
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
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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- Madagascar palm Pachypodium lamerei