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Description
Eurycoma Longifolia is a flowering plant belonging to the Simaroubaceae family that is native to Southeast Asia. It is commonly known as Tongkat Ali or Malaysian Ginseng and has been traditionally used for medicinal purposes. The plant can grow up to 10 meters tall and has a straight, slender trunk. Its leaves are pinnate and can reach up to 1 meter in length. The flowers are small, yellow, and borne in large panicles. The fruit is a woody capsule that splits open when ripe.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Simaroubaceae |
| Genus | Eurycoma |
Appearance
Eurycoma Longifolia is a large, slender tree with a smooth, greyish-brown bark. Its leaves are long, pinnate, and arranged in a spiral pattern. They are dark green in color and can reach up to 1 meter in length. The flowers are small, yellow, and borne in large panicles that can reach up to 1 meter in length. The fruit is a woody capsule that splits open when ripe, revealing the seeds inside. The seeds are small, black, and angular in shape.
Care Guide
Eurycoma Longifolia prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure. It can tolerate a range of soil types but prefers a slightly acidic pH. Water the plant regularly during the growing season, but avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot. Fertilize the plant every 2-3 months with a balanced fertilizer. The plant is hardy to USDA zones 10-12 and can tolerate temperatures as low as 40°F.
Common Pests & Diseases
Eurycoma Longifolia is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to scale insects and mealybugs. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant can also be affected by root rot if overwatered, so it is important to ensure that the soil is well-drained.
Habitat
Eurycoma Longifolia is native to Southeast Asia and can be found in the rainforests of Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure, but can tolerate a range of soil types and temperatures.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Eurycoma Longifolia be grown indoors?
A: Eurycoma Longifolia is a large tree and is not suitable for indoor cultivation.
Q: Is Eurycoma Longifolia toxic to pets?
A: There is no evidence to suggest that Eurycoma Longifolia is toxic to pets. However, it is always best to keep pets away from plants to avoid any potential harm.
Q: Can Eurycoma Longifolia be propagated from cuttings?
A: Eurycoma Longifolia can be propagated from cuttings, but it is a slow process and can take several months for the cutting to root and produce new growth.
Q: Is Eurycoma Longifolia a medicinal plant?
A: Eurycoma Longifolia has been traditionally used for medicinal purposes, particularly as an aphrodisiac and to treat various ailments such as fever and high blood pressure.
Related Plants
- Eurycoma Harmandiana
- Eurycoma Brevipes
- Eurycoma Sulawesiensis
References
- Simaroubaceae. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved October 11, 2021, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simaroubaceae
- Eurycoma longifolia. (n.d.). In Plants of the World Online. Retrieved October 11, 2021, from http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:894441-1
- Tongkat Ali. (n.d.). In WebMD. Retrieved October 11, 2021, from https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1132/tongkat-ali
