Shiva's Tears Elaeocarpus grandiflorus

Elaeocarpus grandiflorus, or Lily of the Valley Tree, is an evergreen small tree or shrub with leathery dark green leaves and attractive fringed white flowers. Left to its own devices, it can reach heights of 90 feet, but it is more typically kept small and grown in a container. It is often grown as an ornamental in the landscape. It is native to Indochina and is typically found in tropical or sub-tropical rain forests and is not cold hardy.

Lily of the Valley Tree produces clusters of frilly flowers with the blooms all along the stems from late winter through summer. It makes an excellent indoor plant for its ability to tolerate dry conditions and lower light levels. It is ideal for the tropical garden as it needs little maintenance, tolerates low nutrient and dry soils, but performs best when well watered. It is hardy to at least a light freeze when established (as low as mid-20's). Small plants require regular watering, then as the plant matures in the ground, it becomes drought tolerant.

The fruit of this tree, once cleaned of the flesh and polished, are used in India as stones in necklaces, bracelets and other ornaments, or in rosaries with religious significance.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

No known diseases or insect pest issues. Sensitive to overfeeding when grown indoors. The tree is normally evergreen, but may shed leaves for a short period of time during cold or drought periods.