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Description
Butea is a genus of flowering plants in the legume family, Fabaceae. These plants are native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Australia. The most well-known species is Butea monosperma, also known as the flame of the forest or palash tree. This tree has bright red or orange flowers that bloom in the spring and summer. The flowers are followed by long, flat seed pods that can reach up to 30 centimeters in length.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Butea |
Appearance
Butea plants are typically small to medium-sized trees or shrubs. The leaves are pinnate, with several leaflets arranged along a central stem. The flowers are large and showy, with bright red, orange, or yellow petals. The seed pods are long and flat, and contain several seeds.
Care Guide
Butea plants are relatively easy to care for. Here are some tips to help you keep your plant healthy:Water: Butea plants prefer well-draining soil and do not like to be over-watered. Water your plant deeply once a week, or more frequently in hot, dry weather.Fertilization: Butea plants do not require frequent fertilization. Apply a slow-release fertilizer in the spring, and again in the fall.Soil: Butea plants prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Avoid heavy clay soils.Sunlight: Butea plants prefer full sun to partial shade. They can tolerate some shade, but may not flower as well in low light conditions.Hardiness Zones: Butea plants are hardy in zones 10-12.
Common Pests & Diseases
Butea plants can be susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including:Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the leaves and stems of the plant, causing damage and deformities.Scale insects: These insects can also suck sap from the plant, and may leave a sticky residue on the leaves and stems.Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white or gray powdery coating to appear on the leaves and stems of the plant.Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause brown or black spots to appear on the leaves, and may cause the leaves to drop prematurely.
Habitat
Butea plants are native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Australia. They are often found in open woodlands or savannas, and can tolerate a wide range of soil types.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Butea plants be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Butea plants can be grown in containers, but they may not grow as large as they would in the ground.Q: How often should I fertilize my Butea plant?
A: Butea plants do not require frequent fertilization. Apply a slow-release fertilizer in the spring, and again in the fall.Q: Do Butea plants attract bees and butterflies?
A: Yes, Butea plants are attractive to bees and butterflies.Q: Can Butea plants tolerate drought?
A: Butea plants are relatively drought-tolerant, but they prefer to be watered regularly.
Related Plants
Here are some other plants that are related to Butea:- Cercis- Laburnum- Robinia- Sophora
References
– Flora of China. (n.d.). Butea. Retrieved from http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=105387- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Butea. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=279654- The Plant List. (2013). Butea. Retrieved from http://www.theplantlist.org/browse/A/Leguminosae/Butea/
