Contents
Description
Antidesma Madagascariense, also known as the Madagascar Cherry or Wild Currant, is a small, evergreen tree native to Madagascar. It belongs to the family Phyllanthaceae and can grow up to 15 meters tall. The tree produces small, edible red berries that are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. The leaves and bark of the tree have medicinal properties and are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Phyllanthaceae |
| Genus | Antidesma |
Appearance
The Antidesma Madagascariense has glossy, dark green leaves that are oval in shape and grow up to 10 centimeters long. The tree produces small, greenish-yellow flowers that bloom in clusters. The fruit of the tree is a small, round red berry that is about 1 centimeter in diameter. The tree has a slender trunk and a dense, bushy crown.
Care Guide
The Antidesma Madagascariense is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips:
- Water: The plant prefers moderate watering, and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: The plant does not require frequent fertilization, but a balanced fertilizer can be applied once a month during the growing season.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 10 and 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Antidesma Madagascariense is generally pest-resistant and disease-free. However, it may be susceptible to scale insects and mealybugs. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant may also be susceptible to root rot if the soil is waterlogged.
Habitat
The Antidesma Madagascariense is native to Madagascar, where it grows in tropical and subtropical forests. It prefers well-draining soils and can tolerate drought conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the fruit of the Antidesma Madagascariense edible?
A: Yes, the fruit is edible and is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.
Q: What are the medicinal properties of the leaves and bark of the Antidesma Madagascariense?
A: The leaves and bark have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for the Antidesma Madagascariense?
A: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 10 and 11.
Q: Can the Antidesma Madagascariense be grown in a container?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in a container, but it will require frequent watering and fertilization.
Related Plants
- Antidesma bunius
- Antidesma ghaesembilla
- Antidesma menasu
References
- “Antidesma madagascariense.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 23 September 2021. <http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=279449&isprofile=0&=&returnUrl=%2fPlantFinder%2fsearch.aspx%3fzo%3d0%26bt%3d%26w%3d%26s%3d%26gen%3dAntidesma%26ep%3d0%26lastSearchTerm%3dAntidesma+madagascariense%26lastSearchType%3d%26lastSearchId%3d0%26zoLast%3d0%26zoLevel%3d0%26fz%3d0%26x=0%26y=0>
- “Antidesma madagascariense.” Plantz Africa. Accessed 23 September 2021. <http://pza.sanbi.org/antidesma-madagascariense>
- “Antidesma madagascariense.” World Agroforestry. Accessed 23 September 2021. <https://www.worldagroforestry.org/treedb2/speciesprofile.php?Spid=1848>
