Quaresmeira (glory tree) Pleroma granulosum
Quaresmeira (glory tree) (Pleroma granulosum) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Melastomataceae family, native to Atlantic Forest of SE Brazil. It grows 8–12 m (26–39 ft) tall and 5–8 m (16–26 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 0 °C (32 °F). Space plants about 6 m (20 ft) apart.
Plan Quaresmeira (glory tree) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Quaresmeira (glory tree) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Melastomataceae |
| Mature height | 8–12 m (26–39 ft) |
| Mature spread | 5–8 m (16–26 ft) |
| Spacing | 6 m (20 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 0 °C (32 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | from about August for 6–11 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Atlantic Forest of SE Brazil |
| Common in gardens of | 🇧🇷 Brazil |
Is Quaresmeira (glory tree) 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 Quaresmeira (glory tree)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
See Quaresmeira (glory tree) in a botanical garden
It grows in this sample garden, which you can walk through in 3D:
- Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro (11 plants)
Questions about Quaresmeira (glory tree)
- How far apart should I plant Quaresmeira (glory tree)?
- About 6 m (20 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 5–8 m (16–26 ft).
- Does Quaresmeira (glory tree) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Quaresmeira (glory tree) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Quaresmeira (glory tree)?
- It tolerates about 0 °C (32 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Quaresmeira (glory tree) flower?
- From about August for 6–11 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Quaresmeira (glory tree) 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 Quaresmeira (glory tree)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Quaresmeira (glory tree). 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).
- Flora e Funga do Brasil, Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro (REFLORA)
- Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro: arboretum and collections, Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro
Notes and assumptions
- Covers Rio's hills in purple in the weeks of Lent ("Quaresma") — around February–March in the south; date here is the northern equivalent.
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
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- Rose grape Medinilla magnifica
- Dwarf mountain pine Pinus mugo
- Japanese maple Acer palmatum
- Black walnut Juglans nigra
- English yew Taxus baccata
- Serviceberry Amelanchier canadensis
- Japanese flowering cherry Prunus serrulata