Contents
Description
Bourreria is a genus of flowering plants in the family Boraginaceae, which includes around 50 species of evergreen shrubs and trees. These plants are native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, including the Caribbean islands, Florida, and South America. The name Bourreria is derived from the French botanist Jean Bourrer, who described the first species of this genus in the 18th century.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Boraginales |
| Family | Boraginaceae |
| Genus | Bourreria |
Appearance
Bourreria plants are evergreen shrubs or small trees that can reach up to 10 meters in height. The leaves are simple, alternate, and leathery, with a glossy surface and a dark green color. The flowers are small, white, and tubular, and are borne in clusters at the tips of the branches. The fruit is a small, fleshy drupe that contains one or two seeds.
Care Guide
Bourreria plants are easy to care for and can be grown in a variety of conditions. Here are some tips for growing these plants:- Water: Bourreria plants prefer moderate watering, with the soil being kept moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering in the winter.- Fertilization: Bourreria plants benefit from regular fertilization with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer in the spring and summer, following the dosage instructions on the package.- Soil: Bourreria plants prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Use a potting mix that contains peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite for container-grown plants.- Sunlight: Bourreria plants prefer full sun to partial shade. They can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can cause them to become leggy and weak.- Hardiness Zones: Bourreria plants are hardy in USDA zones 10-11. They can be grown as houseplants in cooler zones.
Common Pests & Diseases
Bourreria plants are generally resistant to pests and diseases, but they may occasionally be affected by spider mites, mealybugs, or scale insects. These can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Bourreria plants may also be susceptible to root rot if the soil is kept too wet.
Habitat
Bourreria plants are native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, where they grow in a variety of habitats, including coastal forests, dry scrublands, and rocky hillsides. They are often found growing in sandy soil near the coast.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Bourreria plants be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Bourreria plants can be grown as houseplants in bright, indirect light.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Bourreria plant?
A: Bourreria plants benefit from regular fertilization with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer in the spring and summer, following the dosage instructions on the package.
Q: What is the best soil mix for growing Bourreria plants?
A: Bourreria plants prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Use a potting mix that contains peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite for container-grown plants.
Q: How tall do Bourreria plants grow?
A: Bourreria plants can grow up to 10 meters in height, but they are usually smaller when grown as houseplants or in containers.
Related Plants
– Heliotropium arborescens- Cordia boissieri- Tournefortia gnaphalodes- Heliotropium curassavicum
References
– “Bourreria.” The Plant List. Accessed 2 June 2021, www.theplantlist.org/1.1/browse/A/Boraginaceae/Bourreria/.- “Bourreria.” Floridata. Accessed 2 June 2021, www.floridata.com/Plants/Boraginaceae/Bourreria/2055.- “Bourreria.” Gardenia. Accessed 2 June 2021, www.gardenia.net/plant-variety/bourreria.
