Hortiforum

General Info – Candle Stick Tree, Candle Tree, Palo de Velas

Parmenteria Cereifera, commonly known as the Candle Stick Tree, is named for its striking, slim, elongated fruits, which bear a notable resemblance to a candlestick. The fruits are similar in shape to Moringa, hanging from the tree in long, pendulous clusters. They can grow up to 60 cm long and have a waxy, green-yellow skin that emits a pleasant, Apple-like aroma. Its flesh is juicy and fibrous, with a flavour that is both slightly sweet and sour, with a vegetable flavour like capsicum and cucumber, along with a mild sugarcane note. These fruits can be eaten fresh or used to make pickles and preserves. The flavour of Candle Stick Tree fruits can vary widely—some seedlings produce fruits that are much sweeter and closer in taste to sugar cane, while others offer a more muted sweetness. While the trees are primarily cultivated for their ornamental value, the edible fruits are considered a welcome bonus.
The Candle Stick Tree is native to Panama in Central America but is cultivated across much of the Americas. While it originates in distinctly tropical climates, it can reportedly withstand a light frost once mature, though it is sensitive to cold when young. The tree is adaptable to a range of conditions and requires minimal attention once established. However, it thrives best in moist, fertile loam soil.
The Candle Stick Tree is more commonly cultivated for its ornamental appeal, featuring trumpet-shaped flowers and striking, hanging fruit. It belongs to the Bignoniaceae family, which also includes the popular ornamental Jacaranda. True to its family, known as the ‘Trumpet Vines,’ the white flowers of the Candle Stick Tree are distinctly trumpet-shaped and grow directly along the branches. They fully open in the late afternoon and are primarily pollinated by bats. The tree typically forms a medium-sized specimen with a spreading, open crown and a low, branching habit.

Plant Profile/Properties