Aporosa Octandra Var. Octandra

Description

Aporosa Octandra Var. Octandra is a tropical evergreen tree species that belongs to the Phyllanthaceae family. The tree is commonly found in Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. It is also known as the “Pulai tree” or “Bintangor tree.” The tree can grow up to 30 meters tall, and its trunk can reach up to 60 cm in diameter.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

The Aporosa Octandra Var. Octandra tree has a straight, cylindrical trunk with smooth, greyish-brown bark. Its leaves are simple, alternate, and ovate to elliptic in shape, measuring 7-20 cm long and 3-10 cm wide. The leaves are dark green and glossy on the upper surface and lighter on the lower surface. The tree produces small flowers that are greenish-yellow in color and grow in clusters. Its fruits are small, round, and fleshy, measuring 1-1.5 cm in diameter.

Care Guide

Aporosa Octandra Var. Octandra is a low-maintenance tree that requires minimal care. Here are some tips on how to care for this tree:

• Water: The tree requires regular watering, especially during the dry season. Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
• Fertilization: Fertilize the tree with a balanced fertilizer every three months during the growing season.
• Soil: The tree prefers well-draining, fertile soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils.
• Sunlight: The tree thrives in full sun to partial shade.
• Hardiness Zones: Aporosa Octandra Var. Octandra grows best in USDA hardiness zones 10-11.

Common Pests & Diseases

The Aporosa Octandra Var. Octandra tree is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including:

• Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes brown spots on the leaves, leading to defoliation.
• Canker: This bacterial disease causes sunken lesions on the trunk and branches, leading to dieback.
• Scale insects: These pests feed on the sap of the tree, causing yellowing and curling of the leaves.
• Caterpillars: These pests feed on the leaves, leading to defoliation.

Habitat

The Aporosa Octandra Var. Octandra tree is native to Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. It grows in tropical rainforests, often near rivers and streams. The tree prefers well-draining, fertile soil and can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils.

Question and Answer

Q: What is the average height of the Aporosa Octandra Var. Octandra tree?
A: The tree can grow up to 30 meters tall.

Q: What are the common pests and diseases that affect the Aporosa Octandra Var. Octandra tree?
A: The tree is susceptible to leaf spot, canker, scale insects, and caterpillars.

Q: What is the preferred soil type for the Aporosa Octandra Var. Octandra tree?
A: The tree prefers well-draining, fertile soil and can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils.

Q: What are the hardiness zones suitable for growing Aporosa Octandra Var. Octandra?
A: The tree grows best in USDA hardiness zones 10-11.

Related Plants

• Aporosa Lindleyana
• Aporosa Microphylla
• Aporosa Rubra
• Aporosa Villosa

References

• “Aporosa Octandra.” Useful Tropical Plants, tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Aporosa+octandra. Accessed 12 May 2021.
• “Aporosa Octandra.” World Agroforestry Centre, agroforestrydatabase.org/tree-species/aporosa-octandra. Accessed 12 May 2021.
• “Aporosa Octandra (L.) Baill.” Plants of the World Online, kew.org/plants/aporosa-octandra-l-baill. Accessed 12 May 2021.