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Description
Neolitsea Dealbata, commonly known as the Silver Neolitsea or White Cloud Tree, is an evergreen tree that belongs to the Lauraceae family. It is native to Asia and can be found in countries such as China, Japan, and Taiwan. The tree can grow up to a height of 10-20 meters and has a dense and compact crown. The leaves are oblong in shape and have a glossy, dark green top surface with a silvery underside. The tree produces small, fragrant flowers that bloom in clusters, followed by small, black fruits.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Laurales |
| Family | Lauraceae |
| Genus | Neolitsea |
| Species | Dealbata |
Appearance
The Silver Neolitsea has a striking appearance with its glossy, dark green leaves that have a silvery underside. The tree has a dense and compact crown that is oval or round in shape. The leaves are oblong in shape and can grow up to 10-20 cm long and 3-6 cm wide. The tree produces small, fragrant flowers that bloom in clusters and have a creamy-white color. The flowers are followed by small, black fruits that are about 1 cm in diameter. The bark of the tree is grayish-brown in color and has a smooth texture.
Care Guide
To ensure the healthy growth of Neolitsea Dealbata, it is important to provide it with the proper care. Here are some tips to follow:
Water: Water the tree regularly, especially during the growing season. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization: Fertilize the tree with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Apply the fertilizer according to the instructions on the label.
Soil: The tree prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be between 5.5 and 7.5.
Sunlight: The tree prefers partial shade to full sun. It can tolerate some shade but may not grow as vigorously.
Hardiness Zones: The tree is hardy to USDA zones 8 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Silver Neolitsea is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it may be susceptible to leaf spot, root rot, and scale insects. To prevent these problems, make sure the tree is grown in well-drained soil and is not overwatered. If you notice any signs of pests or diseases, treat the tree with an appropriate pesticide or fungicide.
Habitat
The Silver Neolitsea is native to Asia and can be found in countries such as China, Japan, and Taiwan. It prefers to grow in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The tree can tolerate some shade but grows best in partial shade to full sun.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Silver Neolitsea be grown indoors?
A: While the tree can tolerate some shade, it is not recommended to grow it indoors as it requires a lot of space to grow and may not receive enough sunlight.
Q: How often should I fertilize the tree?
A: Fertilize the tree with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Q: How fast does the Silver Neolitsea grow?
A: The tree grows at a moderate pace and can grow up to a height of 10-20 meters.
Q: Can the tree be pruned?
A: Yes, the tree can be pruned to maintain its shape and size. Prune the tree in early spring before new growth appears.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Neolitsea Dealbata:
- Neolitsea chuii
- Neolitsea daibuensis
- Neolitsea sericea
- Neolitsea yunnanensis
References
- “Neolitsea dealbata.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 21, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287423.
- “Neolitsea dealbata.” PlantNet. Accessed September 21, 2021. https://www.plantnet.org/en/planthybase/?q=Neolitsea+dealbata.
- “Neolitsea dealbata.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed September 21, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/37086/Neolitsea-dealbata/Details.
