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Description
Byrsonima Coccolobifolia is a small tree that is native to Brazil, particularly in the Cerrado and Atlantic Forest regions. It belongs to the Malpighiaceae family, which comprises about 75 genera and 1,200 species of trees, shrubs, and vines. Byrsonima Coccolobifolia is commonly known as “Araticum-de-terra-fria” or “Murici-Bravo” and is popularly used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Malpighiaceae |
| Genus | Byrsonima |
Appearance
Byrsonima Coccolobifolia can grow up to 5 meters tall and has a rounded canopy with a spread of up to 3 meters. Its leaves are simple, alternate, and ovate to oblong in shape, measuring about 5-14 cm long and 2-5 cm wide. The leaves are dark green and glossy on the upper surface and pale green on the lower surface. The tree produces small yellow flowers that are about 1 cm in diameter and bloom in the summer. The fruit is a small, rounded drupe that is about 1.5 cm in diameter and turns from green to yellow when ripe.
Care Guide
Byrsonima Coccolobifolia is relatively easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of growing conditions. Here are some important care tips:- Water: The tree prefers regular watering and requires well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging. Water the tree deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering in the winter.- Fertilization: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring and mid-summer to promote healthy growth.- Soil: The tree prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A pH range of 5.5-7.5 is ideal.- Sunlight: The tree prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from 10°C to 35°C.- Hardiness Zones: Byrsonima Coccolobifolia is hardy to USDA zones 9b-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Byrsonima Coccolobifolia is relatively pest and disease resistant, but it can be susceptible to some problems, including:- Leaf spots: caused by fungal infections, which can be treated with fungicides.- Scale insects: which can be controlled with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.- Spider mites: which can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Byrsonima Coccolobifolia is native to Brazil and is commonly found in the Cerrado and Atlantic Forest regions. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and growing conditions. The tree is often used for landscaping and as a street tree in urban areas.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Byrsonima Coccolobifolia a fast-growing tree?
A: No, Byrsonima Coccolobifolia is a slow-growing tree that can take several years to reach its full height.
Q: Can Byrsonima Coccolobifolia be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Byrsonima Coccolobifolia can be grown in containers, but it will require regular pruning to keep its size manageable.
Q: Are the fruits of Byrsonima Coccolobifolia edible?
A: Yes, the fruits are edible and are often used to make jams and jellies.
Q: Does Byrsonima Coccolobifolia require pruning?
A: Yes, Byrsonima Coccolobifolia requires occasional pruning to maintain its shape and remove dead or damaged branches.
Related Plants
– Byrsonima crassifolia (nance tree)- Byrsonima lucida (locustberry)- Byrsonima verbascifolia (Brazilian holly)
References
– “Byrsonima coccolobifolia.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 20 September 2021. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/plantfinder/plantfinderdetails.aspx?kempercode=a408- “Byrsonima.” Wikipedia. Accessed 20 September 2021. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Byrsonima- “Byrsonima coccolobifolia.” Useful Tropical Plants. Accessed 20 September 2021. http://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Byrsonima+coccolobifolia
