Striking tree with large leaves, panicles of speckled blooms, and slender seedpods. Also makes a shrubby foliage plant.

Sow September to October. Sow into pots or trays of moist seed compost and cover with a fine sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Seal container inside a polythene bag and place in a cold frame or sheltered part of the garden. Check regularly and ensure compost does not dry out. Germination can take 1-6 months.

When large enough to handle, transplant seedlings into 7.5cm (3in) pots and grow on over winter in a cool, well-lit position such as a cold frame.

Plant out the following spring in fertile, moist, but well drained soil in full sun. Provide shelter from winds.

During spring, cut back any damaged or crossing growth. Can also be grown as a shrub and pruned back to base each spring to produce large, decorative foliage.