Thespesia populnea aka Annadine

Thespesia populnea, or Portia tree, belongs to the mallow family, Malvaceae. Other names include mahoe and umbrella tree. Its native range extends from northeast Sudan through the Indian Ocean region. It also spans tropical and subtropical Asia and the Pacific. People have planted it across the tropics, where it has naturalised. It grows on sandy shores, rocky coasts, and near mangrove edges. Useful Tropical Plants reports a Least Concern assessment from 2013.

This fast-growing evergreen forms a large shrub or small tree. Its broad crown gives dense shade. The listed garden height is about 33 feet [10 metres]. Some trees reach 66 feet [20 metres]. The short trunk often bends and may become hollow with age. It can reach about 2 feet [0.6 metres] across. Branches may start around 10 feet [3 metres] above ground. Older trees can develop patterned bark. Strong coastal winds can shape the crown.

The flowers are yellow, and birds serve as pollinators. Ripe fruit opens to release its seeds. The tree suits warm coastal gardens, where it provides shade and shelter. It can also screen views and help limit soil erosion. People in parts of the Pacific regard it as sacred. They plant it near temples and homes. Its dark wood has value for local use. The bark supplies strong fibre for rope, fishing line, and boat caulking. Seeds yield lamp oil, while several parts supply dyes.

Give it full sun and soil that holds moisture but drains well. It grows best in warm, moist lowland climates. It also grows in dry sites and tolerates salt well. Its preferred soil pH lies between 6.5 and 8. It tolerates a wider range from 6 to 8.5. Sources report survival near 39°F [4°C] and occasional very light frost. Seeds have hard coats, so scarification can help germination. Cuttings also root well. Trees from large cuttings may decay and have shorter lives.

Young leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, including in soups. Flowers and flower buds are also eaten raw or cooked. People preserve the fruit or cook unripe fruit as a vegetable. These food uses do not make every part safe. The root is toxic, and heartwood compounds can cause contact dermatitis. Traditional medicine uses the bark, roots, leaves, flowers, and fruit. Some extracts have shown antibacterial or antifungal activity in research. These findings do not establish safe home treatments.