Micropholis Obscura

Description

Micropholis Obscura, also known as the black ironwood, is a tropical tree that belongs to the Sapotaceae family. It is native to Central and South America, and can be found in countries such as Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. This slow-growing tree can reach a height of up to 30 meters and has a dense, dark canopy of leaves. The bark is dark brown to black, deeply fissured, and rough to the touch. The tree produces small, white flowers that bloom in clusters and give way to a small, yellow fruit that is edible but not commonly consumed.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

The black ironwood has a striking appearance due to its dark bark and dense foliage. The leaves are simple, alternate, and elliptical in shape, with a glossy dark green surface and a lighter green underside. They are about 6-10 cm long and 2-4 cm wide. The tree produces small, white flowers that are about 1 cm in diameter and bloom in clusters. The fruit that follows is a small, yellow drupe that is about 1 cm in diameter and contains a single seed.

Care Guide

The black ironwood is a hardy tree that requires minimal care once established. Here are some tips on how to care for your black ironwood:

• Water: Water your black ironwood regularly during the growing season, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
• Fertilization: Fertilize your black ironwood once a year in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers, as these can promote excessive vegetative growth at the expense of fruit production.
• Soil: The black ironwood prefers well-draining, slightly acidic soil. If your soil is heavy clay, consider amending it with sand or perlite to improve drainage.
• Sunlight: The black ironwood prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can lead to poor growth and fruit production.
• Hardiness Zones: The black ironwood is hardy in USDA zones 10-11.

Common Pests & Diseases

The black ironwood is relatively pest and disease resistant, but it can be affected by the following:

• Scale insects: These small, sap-sucking insects can cause yellowing and wilting of leaves. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
• Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause brown spots on leaves. It can be prevented by avoiding overhead watering and improving air circulation around the tree.
• Root rot: This fungal disease can occur in poorly-draining soil or in trees that are overwatered. It can be prevented by ensuring good drainage and avoiding overwatering.

Habitat

The black ironwood is native to tropical regions of Central and South America, where it can be found in lowland rainforests and other moist, wooded areas. It prefers well-draining soils and can tolerate periodic flooding.

Question and Answer

Q: Is the fruit of the black ironwood edible?
A: Yes, the fruit is edible but not commonly consumed.

Q: Can the black ironwood tolerate flooding?
A: Yes, the black ironwood can tolerate periodic flooding.

Q: Does the black ironwood require a lot of care?
A: No, the black ironwood is a hardy tree that requires minimal care once established.

Q: Is the black ironwood pest and disease resistant?
A: Yes, the black ironwood is relatively pest and disease resistant, but it can be affected by scale insects, leaf spot, and root rot.

Related Plants

• Micropholis Chrysophylloides
• Micropholis Guyanensis
• Micropholis Lataifolia
• Micropholis Ligustrifolia

References

• Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. (n.d.). Micropholis obscura. Retrieved from https://biogeodb.stri.si.edu/bioinformatics/dfm/metas/view/10187
• The Morton Arboretum. (n.d.). Black ironwood. Retrieved from https://www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/black-ironwood
• USDA Forest Service. (n.d.). Micropholis obscura. Retrieved from https://www.fs.fed.us/global/iitf/pdf/shrubs/Micropholis%20obscura.pdf