Light. Full sun suits it best, and it also takes partial sun.
Water. Water regularly while it establishes. Once rooted in it is drought tolerant, though it likes moist soil and grows best with moderate water.
Soil and feeding. It tolerates salty soil and salt spray. It grows slowly and responds to frequent feeding; a slow-release fertilizer such as Shrub Special, used following the label, works.
Size. Usually grows to about 10 ft; old plants can reach about 23 ft. The crown starts out in layers and becomes round, dense and flat-topped with age.
Pruning. Prune to shape as needed. Its small leaves and zigzag branches make it a favorite for bonsai and container specimens.
Good to know. Stiff spines up to about 1 in long grow along the stems and at the leaf clusters, so wear gloves. New leaves are reddish, and it may drop some leaves in dry spells.
Sources: NParks Flora & Fauna Web: Terminalia molinetii (Spiny Bucida)
