The Fried Egg Tree (Oncoba spinosa) gets its unique name from its stunning white flowers with bright yellow centers, resembling a perfectly cooked sunny-side-up egg. Native to Africa and rarely found in Indian landscapes, it is a small deciduous tree or large shrub with a rounded crown, thorny branches, and shiny green foliage. Its flowers are lightly fragrant and bloom profusely in summer, adding a tropical, exotic vibe to your garden. An eye-catching conversation piece!
2. Best For:
Unique flowering specimen tree
Tropical or exotic theme gardens
Collector’s corner in botanical gardens
Open courtyards or villa gardens
Large ornamental pots in sunny spots
3. Plant Care Details:
☀️ Light:
Needs full sun to flower well and maintain a compact structure.
💧 Water:
Water regularly when young. Once established, it tolerates dry spells, but do not allow prolonged drought.
🌱 Soil:
Grows best in well-draining sandy or loamy soil. At planting time, enrich the soil with top soil garden mix from Jagtap Nursery to promote flowering and root development.
🌡️ Temperature:
Loves warm tropical climates. Not suitable for areas with frost or prolonged cold.
🌿 Care Tips:
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape.
Keep it in a bright, open location with good air circulation.
Avoid overwatering during dormant (non-flowering) seasons.
🧹 Maintenance Ideas:
Low maintenance once established. Annual shaping is enough.
🐛 Pests & Disease Management:
Generally pest-free. Occasionally monitor for scale or mealy bugs, especially in container plants. Use spray bottle with neem solution as preventive care.
🌾 Fertilizer Recommendation:
Apply Biogreen organic fertilizer in early spring to encourage blooming.