Contents
Description
Diploknema is a tree species belonging to the Meliaceae family. It is native to India and Southeast Asia and can grow up to 30 meters in height. Its scientific name is Diploknema butyracea, and it is commonly known as Indian Butter Tree or Chaulmoogra Tree. The tree has a straight trunk and a broad canopy with oval-shaped leaves. It produces small white flowers that bloom in clusters and eventually give way to round fruit capsules containing several seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Meliaceae |
| Genus | Diploknema |
Appearance
The Diploknema tree has a straight trunk with a broad canopy that can reach up to 30 meters in height. Its leaves are oval-shaped and can grow up to 15 cm in length. The tree produces small white flowers that bloom in clusters and eventually give way to round fruit capsules containing several seeds. The bark of the tree is smooth and grayish-brown in color.
Care Guide
Water: Diploknema trees require regular watering during the growing season. They should be watered deeply but not too frequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Fertilization: The tree should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy growth.
Soil: Diploknema trees prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. They can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil.
Sunlight: The tree prefers full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness Zones: Diploknema trees are hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Diploknema trees are relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, they may be susceptible to fungal diseases such as leaf spot and root rot. Pests such as scale insects and mealybugs may also infest the tree.
Habitat
Diploknema trees are native to India and Southeast Asia. They are commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions and prefer moist, well-draining soil. The tree is often grown for its medicinal properties and is used in traditional Indian medicine to treat skin diseases and leprosy.
Question and Answer
Q: What is Diploknema commonly known as?
A: Diploknema is commonly known as Indian Butter Tree or Chaulmoogra Tree.
Q: What is the habitat of Diploknema?
A: Diploknema trees are native to India and Southeast Asia and prefer moist, well-draining soil.
Q: What type of soil does Diploknema prefer?
A: Diploknema trees prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. They can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil.
Q: What are the common pests and diseases of Diploknema?
A: Diploknema trees may be susceptible to fungal diseases such as leaf spot and root rot. Pests such as scale insects and mealybugs may also infest the tree.
Related Plants
- Azadirachta indica (Neem Tree)
- Schinus molle (Peruvian Pepper Tree)
- Cedrela odorata (Spanish Cedar)
- Swietenia mahagoni (West Indian Mahogany)
References
- “Diploknema Butyracea – Indian Butter Tree.” World of Flowering Plants, 23 Sept. 2016, https://worldoffloweringplants.com/diploknema-butyracea-indian-butter-tree/.
- “Diploknema Butyracea (Roxb.) H.J. Lam.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science, https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:57730-1.
- “Diploknema Butyracea.” Useful Tropical Plants, https://uses.plantnet-project.org/en/Diploknema_butyracea_(PROSEA).
