Lance-leaved Sterculia | Ornamental Tropical Nut Tree

Lance-leaved Sterculia

24" Box

$2,499.99

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Lance-leaved Sterculia

Sterculia lanceolata

Ornamental Bright Red Seed Pods • Edible Chestnut-Like Seeds • Fast-Growing Shade Tree

$2,499.99

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

The Lance-leaved Sterculia, also known as Phoenix Eye Fruit, is a majestic and lesser-known tropical tree valued for its dual ornamental beauty and nutritious seeds. This fast-growing evergreen produces a spectacular display of bright red, leathery seed pods that split open to reveal glossy, chestnut-like seeds. While the raw seeds are inedible, when boiled or roasted, they transform into a delicious, nutty, and starchy treat with a flavor and texture remarkably similar to chestnuts or taro. A striking specimen tree that offers a unique edible harvest from its canopy.

Prized for its stunning ornamental seed pods, which are bright red, boat-shaped, and split open dramatically when ripe.
Seeds are edible only after thorough cooking (boiling or roasting), revealing a nutty, starchy, chestnut-like flavor.
A fast-growing, evergreen shade tree with a dense, rounded canopy of glossy leaves.
Self-pollinating and begins producing its eye-catching fruit within a few years of planting.
The seeds are rich in starch and healthy fats, making them a nutritious, calorie-dense food.
Well-suited to humid tropical and subtropical climates; requires ample space to reach its full majestic form.

Edible Seed Profile:

Flavor (Cooked): Nutty, mild, and sweet, closely resembling a water chestnut, chestnut, or roasted taro.
Texture (Cooked): Soft, starchy, and slightly mealy, similar to a boiled potato or chestnut.
Best Uses: Seeds: Boiled or roasted as a snack, added to stews, soups, or ground into flour. Traditionally used in festive dishes in parts of Asia.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Features:Foliage: Elliptic, thin leathery green leaves.Flowers: Bell-shaped reddish flowers in panicles; blooming period 4-5 months; self-pollinating.Fruit: Bright red, thick leathery oblong-ovoid follicles with a beak; contains seeds.Seeds: Oblong, dark brown; edible when cooked or pressed for oil; starchy with sweet chestnut-like flavor.Habit: Fast-growing evergreen tree with upright form
Mature Height: Up to 66 ft
Mature Width: 20-30 ft
Growth Rate: Fast
Light Needs: Full sun to partial shade
Key Advantages:Self-pollinating flowering habit.Edible seeds with high nutritional value.Ornamental red fruits and showy flowers.Traditional medicinal applications
Landscape Uses:Tropical shade tree.Edible landscape specimen.Street tree in suitable climates.Parks and large gardens

Q: Can you eat the seeds raw?
A: No, the raw seeds are not edible and may contain mild toxins or be extremely hard to digest.They must be cooked thoroughly by boiling or roasting to make them palatable and safe to eat. Always treat them like raw potatoes or taro.

Q: How do you prepare the seeds for eating?
A: After the pod opens, collect the black seeds. Boil them in water for 20-30 minutes until tender, then peel off the thin shell. They can also be roasted until the shells crack. The cooked seed can then be eaten as is or used in recipes.

Q: Is the tree messy when the pods drop?
A: Yes, there can be a period of litter when the large, leathery red pods and seeds fall. It's best planted in a lawn area or landscape bed where this can be managed, rather than over a patio or driveway. The visual show of the splitting pods is often considered worth the cleanup.