Narra (Burmese rosewood) Pterocarpus indicus
Narra (Burmese rosewood) (Pterocarpus indicus) is a deciduous perennial tree in the Fabaceae family, native to South-east Asia to the western Pacific. It grows 15–30 m (49–98 ft) tall and 15–25 m (49–82 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 5 °C (41 °F). Space plants about 15 m (49 ft) apart.
Plan Narra (Burmese rosewood) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Narra (Burmese rosewood) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Mature height | 15–30 m (49–98 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 | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 5 °C (41 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 11) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °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 | South-east Asia to the western Pacific |
| Common in gardens of | 🇵🇭 Philippines, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇹🇭 Thailand |
Is Narra (Burmese rosewood) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
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 Narra (Burmese rosewood)
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 Narra (Burmese rosewood)
- How far apart should I plant Narra (Burmese rosewood)?
- About 15 m (49 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 15–25 m (49–82 ft).
- Does Narra (Burmese rosewood) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Narra (Burmese rosewood) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Narra (Burmese rosewood)?
- It tolerates about 5 °C (41 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 11.
- When does Narra (Burmese rosewood) flower?
- From about April for 0–1 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Narra (Burmese rosewood) 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. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Narra (Burmese rosewood)?
- "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).
- Flora & Fauna Web, National Parks Board, Singapore
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, IUCN
Notes and assumptions
- National tree of the Philippines. The whole crown flowers fragrant gold for a day or two at a time. Endangered in the wild from logging.
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