Contents
Description
Palaquium is a genus of evergreen trees belonging to the Sapotaceae family. It is native to Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The trees can grow up to 30 meters tall and produce a milky latex sap. There are over 100 species of Palaquium, with some used for their timber and others for their edible fruits. The wood of some species is known for its durability and is used for construction and furniture.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ebenales |
| Family | Sapotaceae |
| Genus | Palaquium |
Appearance
Palaquium trees have glossy, dark green leaves that are 10 to 20 cm long and 4 to 8 cm wide. The flowers are small and white, with a sweet fragrance. The fruit is a berry that is 2 to 3 cm in diameter and contains one to three seeds. The bark of Palaquium trees is rough and grayish-brown, with deep furrows. The wood is pale yellow and becomes reddish-brown with age. The sap is milky and sticky, and can be difficult to remove from clothing or skin.
Care Guide
Palaquium trees prefer well-drained soil and a moderate amount of water. They should be fertilized in the spring and summer with a balanced fertilizer. Palaquium trees require full sun to partial shade and can tolerate temperatures down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. They are hardy in zones 10 and 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Palaquium trees are susceptible to mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Leaf spot and root rot can also occur, particularly if the tree is overwatered.
Habitat
Palaquium trees are found in lowland rainforests, often near rivers or in swampy areas. They are also cultivated as ornamental trees in parks and gardens.
Question and Answer
Q: Are Palaquium trees easy to grow?
A: Palaquium trees require specific growing conditions, so they may not be the easiest trees to grow.
Q: Can Palaquium trees be grown indoors?
A: Palaquium trees are best grown outdoors in a tropical or subtropical climate.
Q: Do Palaquium trees produce fruit?
A: Yes, some species of Palaquium produce edible fruit.
Q: Is the sap of Palaquium trees toxic?
A: The sap of Palaquium trees is not toxic, but it can cause skin irritation in some people.
Related Plants
- Achras sapota
- Manilkara zapota
- Chrysophyllum cainito
References
- “Palaquium.” The Plant List. Accessed 22 April 2021. <http://www.theplantlist.org/browse/A/Sapotaceae/Palaquium/>
- “Palaquium.” Flora of China. Accessed 22 April 2021. <http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=124858>
- “Palaquium.” World Checklist of Selected Plant Families. Accessed 22 April 2021. <http://wcsp.science.kew.org/namedetail.do?name_id=146764>
