Parkia Pendula

Description

Parkia pendula, also known as the weeping kluwak, is a tree species that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is native to Southeast Asia and is commonly found in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. The tree can grow up to 20 meters tall and has a straight trunk with a diameter of up to 50 cm. The bark of Parkia pendula is gray and has vertical cracks or fissures. The leaves are compound, with 15-30 pairs of leaflets that are oblong in shape and measure up to 15 cm long. The flowers are yellow-green and measure up to 2 cm long. The fruit is a pod that is flat and curved, measuring up to 30 cm long and 5 cm wide. The seeds inside the pod are edible and are used in traditional Indonesian cuisine.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Parkia pendula is a tall and straight tree with a gray bark that has vertical cracks or fissures. The leaves are compound, with 15-30 pairs of oblong leaflets that are up to 15 cm long. The flowers are yellow-green and measure up to 2 cm long. The fruit is a pod that is flat and curved, measuring up to 30 cm long and 5 cm wide. The seeds inside the pod are edible and are used in traditional Indonesian cuisine.

Care Guide

To care for Parkia pendula, it is important to provide it with enough water and fertilizer. The tree prefers well-draining soil and should be planted in a location that receives full sunlight. It is hardy in USDA zones 10-11, but may not survive in colder climates.

Water

Parkia pendula requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. It is important to avoid over-watering, as this can lead to root rot.

Fertilization

The tree should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer every 6-8 weeks during the growing season. It is important to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package and avoid over-fertilization, as this can damage the tree.

Soil

Parkia pendula prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can grow in a variety of soil types, but prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil.

Sunlight

The tree should be planted in a location that receives full sunlight. It can tolerate some shade, but may not grow as well.

Hardiness Zones

Parkia pendula is hardy in USDA zones 10-11.

Common Pests & Diseases

Parkia pendula is susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases. Common pests include scale insects, mealybugs, and spider mites. The tree may also be affected by root rot, leaf spot, and powdery mildew. It is important to monitor the tree for signs of pests and diseases and take appropriate action to prevent or treat them.

Habitat

Parkia pendula is native to Southeast Asia and is commonly found in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. It grows in tropical and subtropical forests and is often found near rivers and streams.

Question and Answer

Q: What is Parkia pendula?

A: Parkia pendula is a tree species that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is native to Southeast Asia and is commonly found in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

Q: What are the edible parts of Parkia pendula?

A: The seeds inside the fruit pod of Parkia pendula are edible and are used in traditional Indonesian cuisine.

Q: What are the common pests and diseases that affect Parkia pendula?

A: Parkia pendula is susceptible to scale insects, mealybugs, spider mites, root rot, leaf spot, and powdery mildew.

Q: What are the care requirements for Parkia pendula?

A: Parkia pendula requires regular watering, fertilization, well-draining soil, full sunlight, and is hardy in USDA zones 10-11.

Related Plants

• Parkia biglandulosa
• Parkia javanica
• Parkia speciosa

References

• “Parkia pendula.” Flora of China. www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=200012583.
• “Parkia pendula.” Plants of the World Online. www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:506681-1.
• “Weeping Kluwak.” Tropical Fruit Trees. www.tropicalfruittrees.com/weeping-kluwak.