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Description
Gynocardia odorata, also known as the “longevity fruit,” is a rare tropical tree that belongs to the family Flacourtiaceae. The tree is native to Southeast Asia and is grown for its edible, nut-like fruits that are believed to have medicinal properties. The fruits resemble small green apples, and when ripe, they turn yellow or pale green. The tree can grow up to 20 meters in height and can live for up to 100 years.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Violales |
| Family | Flacourtiaceae |
| Genus | Gynocardia |
| Species | G. odorata |
Appearance
Gynocardia odorata has a straight trunk with smooth, grey bark. The leaves are elliptic, glossy, and dark green on top, while the underside is paler with small hairs. The tree produces small, greenish-yellow flowers that are fragrant and bloom from May to July. The fruits are ovoid, 2-4 cm in length, and have a hard, woody shell that encloses a sweet, edible kernel.
Care Guide
Gynocardia odorata is a low-maintenance tree that is easy to care for. Here are some tips for keeping your Gynocardia odorata healthy:- Water: The tree prefers moist soil but can tolerate short periods of drought. Water the tree regularly during the growing season and reduce watering in the winter.- Fertilization: Fertilize the tree once a year in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer.- Soil: The tree prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A pH range of 6.0-7.5 is ideal.- Sunlight: The tree prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: Gynocardia odorata is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Gynocardia odorata is relatively pest and disease-free. However, the tree may be susceptible to the following:- Anthracnose: A fungal disease that causes brown spots on leaves and fruit.- Scale insects: Small, sap-sucking insects that can cause yellowing and wilting of leaves.- Mealybugs: Small, white, cottony insects that can infest leaves and fruit.
Habitat
Gynocardia odorata is native to Southeast Asia and is found in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. The tree grows well in tropical climates and prefers well-drained soil and full sun.
Question and Answer
1. Q: What is the medicinal property of Gynocardia odorata?A: The fruit of Gynocardia odorata is believed to have anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties.2. Q: How tall can Gynocardia odorata grow?A: The tree can grow up to 20 meters in height.3. Q: What is the ideal pH range for Gynocardia odorata?A: The ideal pH range for Gynocardia odorata is 6.0-7.5.4. Q: Where is Gynocardia odorata native to?A: Gynocardia odorata is native to Southeast Asia.
Related Plants
– Flacourtia indica- Dovyalis hebecarpa- Garcinia mangostana
References
– “Gynocardia odorata”. Missouri Botanical Garden. Available online: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=279923&isprofile=0&.- “Gynocardia odorata”. World Agroforestry Centre. Available online: https://www.worldagroforestry.org/treedb2/speciesprofile.php?Spid=1748.- “Gynocardia odorata”. Flora of China. Available online: http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=242356732.
