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Description
Guettarda speciosa, also known as velvet seed, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. It is native to Central and South America, including Brazil, Colombia, and Ecuador. This plant is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical regions. The plant produces small white flowers that are highly fragrant and bloom throughout the year. The fruit of Guettarda speciosa is a small, round, and fleshy drupe that contains a single seed.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain: | Eukarya |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Phylum: | Tracheophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Gentianales |
| Family: | Rubiaceae |
| Genus: | Guettarda |
| Species: | Guettarda speciosa |
Appearance
Guettarda speciosa is a small and compact evergreen shrub that can grow up to 6 feet tall and wide. It has glossy, dark green leaves that are oval-shaped and grow up to 4 inches long. The plant produces small white flowers that have a sweet fragrance and bloom throughout the year. The fruit of Guettarda speciosa is a small, round, and fleshy drupe that turns from green to red as it matures.
Care Guide
Water: Guettarda speciosa prefers moist but well-draining soil. Water the plant regularly during the growing season, but reduce watering in the winter months.
Fertilization: Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Soil: Guettarda speciosa prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types but prefers slightly acidic soil.
Sunlight: Guettarda speciosa prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can result in poor flowering.
Hardiness Zones: Guettarda speciosa is hardy in USDA zones 10 and 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Guettarda speciosa is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it can be affected by scale insects and spider mites. To prevent these pests, spray the plant with a mixture of water and insecticidal soap.
Habitat
Guettarda speciosa is native to Central and South America and can be found in tropical and subtropical regions. The plant prefers well-draining soil and can grow in both full sun and partial shade. It is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Guettarda speciosa toxic to pets?
A: Guettarda speciosa is not known to be toxic to pets.
Q: How often should I fertilize Guettarda speciosa?
A: Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Q: Can I grow Guettarda speciosa in a container?
A: Yes, Guettarda speciosa can be grown in a container as long as it has well-draining soil and receives enough sunlight.
Q: How often should I water Guettarda speciosa?
A: Water the plant regularly during the growing season, but reduce watering in the winter months.
Related Plants
- Guettarda elliptica
- Guettarda krugiana
- Guettarda macrosperma
References
- “Guettarda speciosa.” Floridata, www.floridata.com/plant/1301.
- “Guettarda speciosa.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c684.
- “Guettarda speciosa.” Dave’s Garden, www.davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/58259/.
