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Description
Leea Macrophylla, commonly known as the large-leaved Leea, is a plant species belonging to the family Vitaceae. It is a tropical plant native to Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Papua New Guinea. The plant is known for its large, glossy, and strikingly beautiful leaves that come in shades of green, red, and purple.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Vitales |
| Family | Vitaceae |
| Genus | Leea |
Appearance
The large-leaved Leea is a shrub that can grow up to 3 meters in height. It has large, glossy leaves that can measure up to 50 centimeters in diameter. The leaves are deeply lobed, with serrated edges and a pointed tip. The plant produces clusters of small, inconspicuous flowers that bloom in shades of white, pink, or red. The flowers are followed by small, round berries that turn black when ripe.
Care Guide
The large-leaved Leea is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips to help you keep your plant healthy and thriving:
- Water: Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Water the plant regularly, especially during the growing season.
- Fertilization: Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.
- Soil: Use a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The large-leaved Leea is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The large-leaved Leea is generally not prone to pests and diseases. However, here are some common issues you may encounter:
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and curling of the leaves. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap to control them.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause brown spots on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and treat with a fungicide.
- Mealybugs: These pests can cause a white, powdery substance on the leaves. Use insecticidal soap to control them.
Habitat
The large-leaved Leea is native to Southeast Asia, where it grows in forests, thickets, and along rivers. It prefers a warm, humid climate and can tolerate a range of soil types.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the large-leaved Leea be grown indoors?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown indoors as long as it is placed in a bright, indirect light.
Q: How often should I fertilize my large-leaved Leea?
A: Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.
Q: How tall can the large-leaved Leea grow?
A: The plant can grow up to 3 meters in height.
Q: Is the large-leaved Leea toxic to pets?
A: The plant is non-toxic to pets.
Related Plants
- Leea Indica
- Leea Rubra
- Leea Aculeata
References
- “Leea Macrophylla.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a335
- “Leea Macrophylla.” Plants of the World Online, www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:870652-1
- “Leea Macrophylla.” Gardening Know How, www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/leea/growing-large-leaved-leea.htm
