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Description
Geijera is a genus of evergreen trees that belong to the Rutaceae family. It is native to Australia and has small, greenish-yellow flowers that bloom in the spring. The leaves of the Geijera are dark green, glossy, and elliptical in shape. They grow up to 5 cm long, and the tree can reach a height of 15 meters.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Rutaceae |
| Genus | Geijera |
Appearance
The Geijera tree has a slender trunk with a grayish-brown bark that peels off in thin strips. The branches of the Geijera are slender and have a drooping appearance. The tree also has small, greenish-yellow flowers that bloom in the spring and produce small, brownish-red fruit. The leaves of the Geijera are dark green, glossy, and elliptical in shape. They grow up to 5 cm long and 2 cm wide. The tree can reach a height of 15 meters and a width of 7 meters.
Care Guide
Geijera trees require moderate watering and should be watered once a week. They also require fertilization every six months, preferably in the spring and fall. The soil should be well-draining and moist. The Geijera tree prefers full sun exposure and can tolerate partial shade. It can grow in hardiness zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Geijera tree is susceptible to root rot if overwatered. It can also be affected by scale insects, which can cause yellowing of the leaves and stunted growth. To prevent these pests and diseases, ensure that the soil is well-draining, and avoid overwatering the tree. Insecticides can be used to control the scale insects.
Habitat
The Geijera tree is native to Australia and can be found in various habitats, including coastal forests, woodlands, and savannas. It prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate drought conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Geijera tree be grown indoors?
A: While the Geijera tree can be grown indoors, it requires a lot of sunlight and is better suited for outdoor growth.
Q: How fast does the Geijera tree grow?
A: The Geijera tree grows at a moderate pace and can reach a height of 15 meters over several years.
Q: Can the Geijera tree tolerate cold temperatures?
A: The Geijera tree can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F but may suffer from frost damage if exposed to colder temperatures for extended periods.
Q: What is the significance of the Geijera tree in Australian culture?
A: The Geijera tree is an important part of Aboriginal culture in Australia and is used medicinally to treat various ailments.
Related Plants
- Triphasia trifolia
- Acronychia oblongifolia
- Boronia megastigma
- Melia azedarach
References
- “Geijera parviflora.” Australian Native Plants Society (Australia). https://anpsa.org.au/g-par.html
- “Geijera parviflora.” PlantNet. https://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Geijera~parviflora
- “Geijera.” Plants of the World Online. http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:5286-1
