Contents
Description
Neolamarckia Cadamba, also known as Burflower tree, is a majestic tropical plant that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. It is native to Southeast Asia and is widely cultivated for its ornamental and medicinal purposes. This fast-growing tree can reach up to 30 meters in height and 1.5 meters in diameter. Its bark is smooth and grayish-white in color, and the branches are slender, drooping, and covered with leaves.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Rubiaceae |
| Genus | Neolamarckia |
Appearance
Neolamarckia Cadamba is known for its vibrant yellow flowers that bloom in clusters from May to July. The flowers are small, fragrant, and have five petals. The leaves of this tree are simple, alternate, and oval-shaped, with a dark green color and a glossy texture. The fruit of the tree is a spherical drupe that contains a single seed. When ripe, the fruit turns yellow-orange in color and has a sweet, edible pulp.
Care Guide
Neolamarckia Cadamba is a relatively low-maintenance plant, but it still requires proper care to thrive. Here are some tips to keep your tree healthy:
- Water: The tree requires regular watering, especially during the dry season. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: The tree benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer during the growing season.
- Soil: The tree prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sand.
- Sunlight: The tree thrives in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The tree is hardy in USDA zones 10-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Neolamarckia Cadamba is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but it can still be affected by some common issues:
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes black spots on the leaves and can be treated with a fungicide.
- Aphids: These small insects can cause leaf curling and honeydew on the leaves. They can be treated with an insecticide or by introducing natural predators like ladybugs.
- Mealybugs: These insects look like white, cottony masses on the branches and leaves. They can be treated with an insecticide or by wiping them off with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
Habitat
Neolamarckia Cadamba is native to Southeast Asia and is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. It prefers a warm and humid climate and can grow in a wide range of soil types.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Neolamarckia Cadamba a good choice for urban landscaping?
A: Yes, Neolamarckia Cadamba is a great choice for urban landscaping due to its fast growth, attractive appearance, and low maintenance requirements.
Q: Can Neolamarckia Cadamba be grown in pots?
A: Yes, Neolamarckia Cadamba can be grown in pots as long as the pot is large enough to accommodate the growing tree and has good drainage.
Q: What is the medicinal use of Neolamarckia Cadamba?
A: Various parts of the Neolamarckia Cadamba tree, including the bark, leaves, and flowers, have medicinal properties and are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.
Q: How long does it take for Neolamarckia Cadamba to reach maturity?
A: Neolamarckia Cadamba is a fast-growing tree and can reach maturity in as little as 5-7 years.
Related Plants
- Lagerstroemia speciosa
- Magnolia champaca
- Michelia champaca
- Plumeria rubra
References
- “Neolamarckia cadamba (Roxb.) Bosser.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science, accessed 19 Aug. 2021, powo.science.kew.org.
- “Neolamarckia cadamba.” Floriculture Today, 16 Mar. 2021, floriculturetoday.in.
- “Neolamarckia cadamba.” Useful Tropical Plants, accessed 19 Aug. 2021, uses.plantnet-project.org.
