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Description
Adina Pilulifera, also known as the Pill-bearing Adina, is a tropical plant native to Southeast Asia. It belongs to the Rubiaceae family and is a small, evergreen tree that can grow up to 12 meters tall. This plant is known for its beautiful white flowers that bloom all year round and its small, red berries that resemble pills. Adina Pilulifera is widely used in traditional medicine for its therapeutic properties.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Rubiaceae |
| Genus | Adina |
Appearance
Adina Pilulifera has a dense, round-shaped crown with dark green, glossy leaves. The leaves are simple, opposite, and elliptical in shape, measuring 7-20 cm long and 2-7 cm wide. The flowers are small and white, with a diameter of 1-1.5 cm, and have a sweet fragrance. The fruits are small, round, and red, measuring 6-8 mm in diameter, and contain one or two seeds. The bark of the tree is grayish-brown and rough.
Care Guide
Adina Pilulifera is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips on how to care for this tropical plant:- Water: Adina Pilulifera prefers moist soil but can tolerate occasional dryness. Water the plant regularly, but avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.- Fertilization: Adina Pilulifera benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season (spring and summer). Use a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10.- Soil: Adina Pilulifera thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH range of 5.5-6.5. Add organic matter to the soil to improve its fertility and drainage.- Sunlight: Adina Pilulifera prefers partial shade to full sun. Avoid exposing the plant to direct sunlight for extended periods.- Hardiness Zones: Adina Pilulifera can grow in USDA hardiness zones 10-12.
Common Pests & Diseases
Adina Pilulifera is relatively pest and disease-resistant, but it can still be affected by some common problems. Here are some of the pests and diseases that can affect this tropical plant:- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects feed on the sap of the plant, causing yellowing and distortion of the leaves. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control aphids.- Mealybugs: These small, white insects also feed on the sap of the plant and can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control mealybugs.- Root rot: Overwatering or poorly-drained soil can lead to root rot, which is a fungal disease that causes the roots to rot and decay. Avoid overwatering and improve soil drainage to prevent root rot.
Habitat
Adina Pilulifera is native to Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. It grows in tropical rainforests and can be found in lowland areas up to an elevation of 1,000 meters. Adina Pilulifera prefers moist, well-draining soil and partial shade to full sun.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Adina Pilulifera be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Adina Pilulifera can be grown indoors as a houseplant. It prefers bright, indirect light and a warm, humid environment.
Q: What is the best time to prune Adina Pilulifera?
A: Prune Adina Pilulifera in the spring, just before the growing season begins. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches, and shape the plant as desired.
Q: How often should I fertilize Adina Pilulifera?
A: Fertilize Adina Pilulifera once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Is Adina Pilulifera toxic to pets?
A: There is no known toxicity of Adina Pilulifera to pets or humans. However, it’s always a good idea to keep plants out of reach of curious pets and children.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Adina Pilulifera:- Adina Cordifolia- Adina Rubella- Adina Microcephala- Adina Megistophylla
References
– “Adina Pilulifera.” Plant Resources of South-East Asia, www.proseanet.org.- “Adina Pilulifera.” The Plant List, www.theplantlist.org.- “Adina Pilulifera.” Floridata, www.floridata.com.
