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Description
Ehretia Longiflora, commonly known as the “Lentil Tree,” is a deciduous shrub or small tree that belongs to the Boraginaceae family. It is native to India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan and is widely grown in gardens and parks as an ornamental plant. The tree can grow up to 6 meters in height and has a slender trunk with a gray-brown bark. The Lentil Tree produces small, fragrant, white flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer, followed by small, purple berries that ripen in the fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Boraginales |
| Family | Boraginaceae |
| Genus | Ehretia |
Appearance
The Lentil Tree has an upright growth habit and a round, bushy crown. Its leaves are simple, lance-shaped, and glossy, with a dark green color on the top and a paler shade on the underside. The flowers are small, star-shaped, and white, with a sweet fragrance that attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The fruit is a small, purple berry that is edible but not commonly consumed by humans due to its bitter taste.
Care Guide
Ehretia Longiflora is a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in a variety of growing conditions. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:- Water: The Lentil Tree prefers well-draining soil and moderate watering. Water the plant 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 early summer to promote healthy growth and flowering.- Soil: The Lentil Tree can grow in a range of soil types, from sandy to loamy. Ensure that the soil is well-draining and has a neutral to slightly acidic pH.- Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun to partial shade. Ensure that it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.- Hardiness Zones: The Lentil Tree is hardy in USDA zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Ehretia Longiflora is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, here are some common issues that may affect this plant:- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to curl and distort. Use a strong jet of water to dislodge them or apply insecticidal soap.- Caterpillars: These larvae can eat the leaves and flowers of the plant. Handpick them or use a biological control such as Bacillus thuringiensis.- Anthracnose: This fungal disease can cause leaf spots and defoliation. Ensure that the plant has adequate air circulation and apply a fungicide if necessary.
Habitat
Ehretia Longiflora is native to the dry and arid regions of India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. It grows in a variety of habitats, from rocky slopes to open woodlands. The plant is drought-tolerant and can survive in harsh growing conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Lentil Tree be grown in containers?
A: Yes, it can be grown in containers as long as the pot is large enough to accommodate the root system.
Q: Is the fruit of the Lentil Tree edible?
A: Yes, the fruit is edible but has a bitter taste and is not commonly consumed.
Q: How often should I fertilize the plant?
A: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring and early summer.
Q: Is the Lentil Tree susceptible to any diseases?
A: Anthracnose is a common fungal disease that can affect the plant.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Ehretia Longiflora:- Ehretia Acuminata- Ehretia Anacua- Ehretia Microphylla- Ehretia Laevis- Ehretia Cymosa
References
– “Ehretia Longiflora,” Missouri Botanical Garden, https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=280549&isprofile=0&pt=2.- “Ehretia Longiflora,” Plants of the World Online, https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:105102-1.- “Lentil Tree,” Learn2Grow, https://www.learn2grow.com/plants/ehretia-longiflora/.
