Euphorbiaceae
Anda-assu: Full Sun Plant
Joannesia princeps
It is a heliophytic tree, meaning it requires full sun to develop properly, and prefers deep, fertile, and well-drained soils. In its early years, growth is extremely rapid, potentially reaching about 6 meters in just 2 years; regular irrigation and weed control around the sapling are recommended. Once established, it tolerates different soil types and some drought, but thrives best where there is good water availability.
Every 7-10 days
Direct sun
° - °C
% - %
Categories
What is Anda-assu?
Anda-assu (Joannesia princeps) is a medium-care plant from the Euphorbiaceae family. Joannesia princeps, popularly known as the Anda-assu or Cutieira, is a large deciduous tree in the Euphorbiaceae family, endemic to the Atlantic Forest of eastern Brazil, ranging from southern Bahia to Espírito Santo and Minas Gerais. It can exceed 20 meters in height, featuring a broad canopy, gray...
Anda-assu grows up to 20.0m. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many popular species, Anda-assu is safe to keep around pets.
How to Care for Anda-assu?
TLDR: Anda-assu needs Direct sun, watering every 7 days, and temperatures between 15-30°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Anda-assu?
Water regularly while the sapling is young; established trees tolerate drier periods but grow better with constant water availability.
How Much Light Does Anda-assu Need?
Requires full sun (heliophytic species); does not develop well in the shade.
What Is the Best Soil for Anda-assu?
Prefers deep, fertile, and well-drained soil, but tolerates various soil types once well-established.
What Pot Should You Use for Anda-assu?
As it is a large tree (can exceed 20 m), it is not suitable for container gardening; it is recommended for direct planting in the ground in large areas, avoiding proximity to sidewalks and buildings due to the fall of heavy fruits.
What Is Anda-assu and Where Does It Come From?
Joannesia princeps, popularly known as the Anda-assu or Cutieira, is a large deciduous tree in the Euphorbiaceae family, endemic to the Atlantic Forest of eastern Brazil, ranging from southern Bahia to Espírito Santo and Minas Gerais. It can exceed 20 meters in height, featuring a broad canopy, grayish bark, and alternate digitate leaves with 3 to 5 ovate to elliptical leaflets. It produces small white or purplish flowers between winter and early spring, followed by globose drupaceous fruits that house seeds of significant medicinal and industrial value. The species is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN due to habitat loss.
How to Propagate Anda-assu?
Seed propagation
- 1 Collect ripe fruits and remove seeds as soon as possible, as they are recalcitrant and lose germinative power quickly.
- 2 Sow about two seeds per bag or container using a porous substrate rich in organic matter.
- 3 Keep in a full sun location with regular irrigation until germination.
- 4 After germination, care for the sapling until it reaches 30-40 cm (about 8 to 10 months) before final transplanting.
- 5 Transplant to the final location in full sun, maintaining regular irrigation and weed control during the first few years.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Anda-assu Grow?
TLDR: Anda-assu can reach up to 20.0m tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
20.0m
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Deciduous
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Medicinal Uses
- laxative/purgative (seeds)
- traditional use as a vermifuge/anthelmintic
- traditional use to reduce edema and aid healing
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
Meaning & Symbolism
Represents the resilience of Brazilian flora and forest regeneration.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Fieldcap | Medium | Low light | 2d | ⚠️ |
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ⚠️ |
| Muriel's Bamboo | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ✓ |
| Bougainvillea | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | ⚠️ |
Choose & Compare
Sources & References
- Joannesia princeps - Wikipedia
- Joannesia princeps - cutieira | Biologia da Paisagem
- Phytochemical Characteristics of Seeds and Its Effects on the Intestinal Motility and Toxicity of Joannesia princeps
- Phytochemical Characteristics of Seeds and Its Effects on the Intestinal Motility and Toxicity of Joannesia princeps - PubMed
- Joannesia princeps Vell. (Euphorbiaceae): germinação, fenologia e morfometria de frutos, sementes e plântulas
- ANDÁ-AÇU (Joannesia princeps) - Rebrotar Plantas
