Pride of Burma Amherstia nobilis
Pride of Burma (Amherstia nobilis) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Fabaceae family, native to Myanmar (Burma). It grows 10–15 m (33–49 ft) tall and 8–12 m (26–39 ft) wide, wants full sun and high water, and is hardy to about 15 °C (59 °F). Space plants about 8 m (26 ft) apart.
Plan Pride of Burma in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Pride of Burma at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Mature height | 10–15 m (33–49 ft) |
| Mature spread | 8–12 m (26–39 ft) |
| Spacing | 8 m (26 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About 15 °C (59 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 12) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | about 365–521 weeks after planting, for 9–13 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Myanmar (Burma) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇮🇳 India |
Is Pride of Burma toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in standard 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 Pride of Burma
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 Pride of Burma
- How far apart should I plant Pride of Burma?
- About 8 m (26 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 8–12 m (26–39 ft).
- Does Pride of Burma need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Pride of Burma need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Pride of Burma?
- It tolerates about 15 °C (59 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 12.
- When does Pride of Burma flower?
- About 365–521 weeks after planting, for 9–13 weeks.
- Is Pride of Burma 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 standard references.
- What grows well with Pride of Burma?
- "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
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- Called the “queen of flowering trees”: long chains of red-and-gold flowers and limp, pink new leaves. Needs humid tropical warmth; rarely sets seed.
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