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Description
Excoecaria Kawakamii is a species of plant native to Taiwan and Southeast Asia. It is a small tree or shrub that can grow up to 3 meters tall. The plant has green, glossy leaves that are tinged with red when they first emerge. As the leaves mature, they turn completely green. The stems and leaves of Excoecaria Kawakamii contain a toxic sap that can cause skin irritation and other health problems.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae |
| Genus | Excoecaria |
| Species | Excoecaria Kawakamii |
Appearance
Excoecaria Kawakamii has green, glossy leaves that are ovate in shape and can grow up to 10cm long. The leaves are arranged alternately on the stem and have a red tinge when they first emerge. As the leaves mature, they turn completely green. The plant also produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are greenish-yellow in color. The bark of Excoecaria Kawakamii is light brown in color and has a smooth texture.
Care Guide
Excoecaria Kawakamii is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips:- Water: Excoecaria Kawakamii prefers moist soil, but be careful not to overwater it as this can cause root rot. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.- Fertilization: Feed Excoecaria Kawakamii with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).- Soil: Excoecaria Kawakamii prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: Excoecaria Kawakamii prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight as this can scorch the leaves.- Hardiness Zones: Excoecaria Kawakamii is hardy in USDA zones 10-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Excoecaria Kawakamii is generally a healthy plant, but it can be susceptible to some pests and diseases. Here are some to watch out for:- Spider mites: These tiny pests can damage the leaves of Excoecaria Kawakamii by sucking the sap out of them. Look for webbing between the leaves and treat with an insecticidal soap.- Mealybugs: These pests can be identified by the white, cottony masses they leave on the plant. Treat with an insecticidal soap.- Root rot: Overwatering can cause the roots of Excoecaria Kawakamii to rot. To prevent this, make sure the soil is well-draining and allow it to dry out slightly between waterings.
Habitat
Excoecaria Kawakamii is native to Taiwan and Southeast Asia. It grows in tropical and subtropical regions and can be found in forests and along riverbanks.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Excoecaria Kawakamii toxic?
A: Yes, the sap of Excoecaria Kawakamii is toxic and can cause skin irritation and other health problems.
Q: Can Excoecaria Kawakamii be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Excoecaria Kawakamii can be grown indoors as long as it is placed in a bright location away from direct sunlight.
Q: How often should I water Excoecaria Kawakamii?
A: Water Excoecaria Kawakamii when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Be careful not to overwater as this can cause root rot.
Q: Does Excoecaria Kawakamii require a lot of sunlight?
A: Excoecaria Kawakamii prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight as this can scorch the leaves.
Related Plants
– Excoecaria Cochinchinensis- Excoecaria Javanica- Excoecaria Agallocha
References
– “Excoecaria kawakamii” from the Missouri Botanical Garden- “Excoecaria kawakamii” from the University of Florida Extension- “Excoecaria kawakamii” from the Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk (PIER)
