5 Seeds Elephant Rope Tree Sterculia villosa Tropical Ornamental Shade Tree

Elephant Rope Tree (Sterculia villosa) is a tropical ornamental shade tree admired for its large lobed foliage and distinctive greenish-yellow flowers that appear in dense clusters. This fast-growing species develops a sturdy trunk and broad canopy, making it an excellent focal point for warm-climate gardens, parks, and spacious landscapes.

In cultivation, Sterculia villosa works well as a canopy tree in tropical and subtropical plantings, providing dappled shade for understory plants. It is also suited to container growing when young or in conservatory settings where space allows. The tree's bold architectural form and textured bark add year-round structural interest to ornamental gardens.
Species: Sterculia villosa
Type: Tropical deciduous tree
Plant Habit: Upright, spreading canopy
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Well-drained loam, sandy or rocky soils
Zones: 10 to 11
Germination: Scarify seed coat and soak in warm water 24 hours before sowing
Sowing: Surface sow, lightly cover, keep warm and moist
Spacing: 20 to 30 feet between trees
Notes: Provide frost protection when young