Can be adapted to pot growing - makes an amazing display.

Sterculia colorata, commonly known as the Painted Sterculia, is a deciduous tree or large shrub native to Southeast Asia and parts of tropical Africa. It is renowned for its striking, ornamental appearance and distinctive features. The tree typically reaches heights of 10 to 20 meters (33 to 66 feet), with a broad, spreading crown and a sturdy, smooth trunk often adorned with lenticels.

One of its most notable characteristics is its large, palmate, lobed leaves, which can reach up to 60 cm (2 feet) across. The leaves have a dark green color on the upper surface, contrasting with a whitish or silvery underside, adding a striking visual effect in the landscape. During the flowering season, it produces large, showy, panicle-like clusters of yellow to orange pistillate flowers that attract pollinators. The fruit is a woody capsule containing winged seeds, which are dispersed by wind.

Sterculia colorata prefers well-drained soils and thrives in full sun to partial shade. It is tolerant of a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and rocky substrates, and requires moderate watering during dry periods. It is drought-tolerant once established and can adapt to tropical and subtropical climates.

Its ornamental appeal, combined with its lush foliage and vibrant flowers, makes Sterculia colorata a popular choice for large gardens, parks, or as a shade tree in tropical landscapes. Additionally, its unique foliage and bright floral display make it highly valued among plant collectors and landscape designers seeking tropical and exotic species with visual impact.