The Governors Plum Tree (Flacourtia indica) is a highly adaptable and visually appealing fruiting tree that brings both ornamental value and fruit-bearing performance to your garden or landscape. With its dense, glossy green foliage and gracefully arching branches, this tree ...The Governors Plum Tree (Flacourtia indica) is a highly adaptable and visually appealing fruiting tree that brings both ornamental value and fruit-bearing performance to your garden or landscape. With its dense, glossy green foliage and gracefully arching branches, this tree provides year-round beauty and seasonal interest.
As the tree matures, it produces an abundance of small, round, plum-like fruits that ripen to a deep purple or reddish hue. These fruits develop a firm outer skin with juicy, tart-sweet flesh inside. Though primarily grown for its ornamental charm and attractive canopy, the tree is also appreciated for its compact growth habit, making it a practical addition to small yards, edible gardens, or container setups in warm climates.
It is particularly popular among collectors of rare or exotic fruiting trees. Native to tropical and subtropical regions, the Governors Plum is known for its resilience and ability to thrive in a variety of growing conditions. It performs best in full sun and well-draining soils and can tolerate short periods of drought once established.
The tree responds well to pruning and can be trained into a hedge, shrub, or single-trunk specimen. In suitable climates, it maintains foliage year-round and quickly bounces back from seasonal stress. Light Requirements: The Governors Plum Tree thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily to support vigorous growth and healthy fruit development.
Partial shade may reduce overall productivity and slow the plant’s growth rate. Watering Frequency: Once established, this tree shows moderate drought tolerance. For optimal performance, water deeply when the top few inches of soil become dry.
Consistent watering during flowering and fruiting seasons will support the best yield. Soil Preferences: Prefers well-draining soils with moderate fertility. Tolerates sandy, loamy, and slightly acidic conditions.
Avoid planting in areas with poor drainage, as overly wet roots may inhibit healthy development. Growth Rate and Size: This fast-growing tree typically reaches a mature height of 10 to 20 feet, depending on local climate and pruning practices. It can be maintained smaller with regular shaping and is well-suited for container growth in warm zones.
Physical Characteristics: Displays glossy, deep green leaves and gracefully arching branches. In warmer months, it bears small, round, plum-like fruits with red to purple skins. Its attractive foliage and seasonal fruit make it an excellent dual-purpose ornamental and edible plant.