Alstonia Costata

Known as the "Graine de Pain" in some Pacific territories, Alstonia costata is a lush, tropical evergreen that acts as a vital pioneer species in the volcanic soils of the South Pacific. Often found clinging to ridges or forming the canopy of upland forests, this tree is a member of the Dogbane family, sharing the same elegant, star-like blooms as its more famous relative, the Frangipani.

🔍 How to Identify

• 🍃 Ribbed Foliage: The species name costata refers to its "ribbed" appearance; the large, glossy green leaves feature prominent, parallel secondary veins that give them a distinct texture.
• 🌸 Pinwheel Blooms: It produces clusters of small, fragrant, creamy-white flowers with five petals arranged in a delicate pinwheel shape.
• 🥖 Twin Pods: After flowering, the tree develops very long, thin, bean-like seed pods that hang in pairs and eventually split to release wind-borne seeds.

🏡 In Your Garden

• 🌱 Rapid Growth: In its natural habitat, this tree is a "pioneer," meaning it is one of the first to colonize open spaces. It grows quickly but requires significant space, making it better suited for large estates or botanical collections rather than small backyards.
• 💧 Humidity Lover: This plant thrives in high-humidity environments and prefers well-draining, slightly acidic soil. It is quite sensitive to frost and will struggle if temperatures drop below tropical levels.

⚠️ Safety & Toxicity

• 🧪 Toxic Latex: Like many members of the Apocynaceae family, Alstonia costata contains a milky white sap (latex) that is rich in alkaloids.
• 🚫 Irritant Potential: The sap can cause skin irritation or rashes upon contact. If ingested, parts of the plant may be toxic to humans and pets, potentially causing gastrointestinal distress or more severe reactions. Always wear gloves when pruning.

✨ Fun Fact

In the Cook Islands and French Polynesia, the wood of the Alstonia costata was traditionally favored for crafting light-weight items like canoe outriggers and floats because the timber is remarkably buoyant and easy to carve!