Thespesia populnea, commonly known as the Portia tree is species of flowering plant in the mallow family, Malvaceae. It is a small tree or arborescent shrub that has a pantropical distribution, found on coasts around the world.Its name Thespesia means "divinely decreed". Leaves are smooth, somewhat similar to those of the Pipal tree, broadly ovate. It has heart-shaped leaves and cup-shaped yellow flowers. The flowers are followed by apple-shaped fruit. Seeds several, elliptical, 1 cm long, brown hairy.

PLANTING AND CARING

The Portia tree is able to grow in the wide range of soil types. The seeds should be scarified (the seed coat penetrated). This can be done using sandpaper, nail clippers, or by cracking with a hammer. Care must be taken to avoid damaging the inner part of the seed. The seeds do not require soaking. The seeds should be planted in the sterile potting mix at a depth of about twice the diameter of the seed. Germination takes 14 to 28 days.

CARING FOR PORTIA TREE

It grows to 40 ft or more with a spread of 10–20 ft.
It has heart-shaped leaves and cup-shaped yellow flowers that are produced intermittently throughout the year in warm climates.
Each flower has a maroon eye that ages to purple.
The flowers are followed by apple-shaped fruit.