Contents
Description
Micromelum is a genus of flowering plants in the citrus family, Rutaceae, that is native to Southeast Asia and Australia. The genus is composed of approximately 30 species of evergreen trees and shrubs that have simple or trifoliate leaves and small white or pink flowers that are followed by small, edible fruits. The fruits are typically globose or ovoid in shape and have a thin, leathery skin that can be yellow, orange, or red when ripe. Micromelum plants are commonly grown in tropical and subtropical regions as ornamental trees or for their fruit.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Rutaceae |
| Genus | Micromelum |
Appearance
Micromelum plants are evergreen trees or shrubs that can grow up to 10 meters tall. The leaves are simple or trifoliate and are typically glossy, dark green in color. The flowers are small, white or pink in color, and are followed by small, edible fruits that are typically globose or ovoid in shape. The fruits have a thin, leathery skin that can be yellow, orange, or red when ripe. The pulp is juicy and has a sour or bitter taste.
Care Guide
Micromelum plants require regular watering and fertilization to grow well. They prefer well-drained, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. They grow best in full sun or partial shade and are hardy in USDA zones 10-11. Micromelum plants are generally easy to care for but can be susceptible to pests and diseases if not properly maintained.
Water
Micromelum plants require regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. They should be watered deeply once a week during the growing season and less frequently during the winter months.
Fertilization
Micromelum plants require regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and fruit production. They should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer every two to three months during the growing season.
Soil
Micromelum plants prefer well-drained, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. They grow best in soil that has a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5.
Sunlight
Micromelum plants grow best in full sun or partial shade. They require at least six hours of sunlight per day to thrive.
Hardiness Zones
Micromelum plants are hardy in USDA zones 10-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Micromelum plants can be susceptible to pests and diseases if not properly maintained. Common pests that can affect Micromelum plants include aphids, scale insects, and mites. Common diseases that can affect Micromelum plants include citrus canker, root rot, and powdery mildew.
Habitat
Micromelum plants are native to Southeast Asia and Australia and are commonly grown in tropical and subtropical regions as ornamental trees or for their fruit. They prefer warm, humid climates and grow best in areas with consistent rainfall.
Question and Answer
Q: Are Micromelum fruits edible?
A: Yes, the small fruits produced by Micromelum plants are edible and have a sour or bitter taste.
Q: How often should Micromelum plants be fertilized?
A: Micromelum plants should be fertilized every two to three months during the growing season.
Q: What are some common pests that can affect Micromelum plants?
A: Common pests that can affect Micromelum plants include aphids, scale insects, and mites.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Micromelum plants?
A: Micromelum plants are hardy in USDA zones 10-11.
Related Plants
- Citrus
- Fortunella
- Poncirus
- Rutaceae
References
- “Micromelum.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 25 Mar. 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micromelum.
- “Micromelum Roxb.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science, n.d., powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77135529-1.
