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Description
Alphitonia Excelsa, commonly known as Red Ash or Soap Tree, is a native Australian tree that belongs to the family of Rhamnaceae. It is known for its unique features, including its rough bark that is dark grey to black in color and its leaves that resemble those of the ash tree.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rhamnaceae |
| Genus | Alphitonia |
Appearance
The Alphitonia Excelsa tree can grow up to 20 meters tall and 10 meters wide. It has a straight trunk, which can be up to 60 cm in diameter. The bark is rough, dark grey to black, and has deep fissures. The leaves are large, broad, and resemble those of an ash tree. They are a dark green color, glossy, and have a leathery texture. The flowers are small, greenish-white, and grow in clusters. The fruit is a small, round, greenish-yellow berry that turns red when ripe.
Care Guide
Water: The Alphitonia Excelsa tree requires moderate watering, especially during the hot and dry months. Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization: Fertilize the tree with a balanced fertilizer once a year during the spring season.
Soil: The tree prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
Sunlight: The Alphitonia Excelsa tree prefers full sun exposure but can also grow in partial shade.
Hardiness Zones: The tree is hardy in zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Alphitonia Excelsa tree is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to scale insects and spider mites. Regular monitoring and treatment with insecticides can help prevent infestations.
Habitat
The Alphitonia Excelsa tree is native to Australia and can be found in the coastal regions of New South Wales, Queensland, and Northern Territory. It grows in a variety of habitats, including rainforests, wet sclerophyll forests, and dry eucalypt forests.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Alphitonia Excelsa tree suitable for urban environments?
A: Yes, the tree is suitable for urban environments as it can tolerate a range of soil types and is relatively pest and disease-free.
Q: How often should I water the tree?
A: The tree requires moderate watering, especially during the hot and dry months. Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Q: When should I fertilize the tree?
A: Fertilize the tree with a balanced fertilizer once a year during the spring season.
Q: What is the hardiness zone of the Alphitonia Excelsa tree?
A: The tree is hardy in zones 9-11.
Related Plants
- Alphitonia Zizyphoides
- Alphitonia Petriei
- Alphitonia Whitei
References
- Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment. (2021). Alphitonia excelsa. Retrieved from https://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicspecies.pl?taxon_id=1112
- PlantNet. (2021). Alphitonia excelsa. Retrieved from https://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Alphitonia~excelsa
- Queensland Government. (2020). Alphitonia excelsa. Retrieved from https://wetlandinfo.des.qld.gov.au/wetlands/ecology/components/species/?alphitonia-excelsa
