Contents
Description
Rubiaceae, commonly known as the coffee family, is a large and diverse group of flowering plants that includes more than 13,000 species. It is one of the largest families of angiosperms and is found throughout the world, with the majority of species found in tropical regions. The family includes many economically important plants, including coffee, quinine, and gardenias.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain| Eukaryota ||————–|———–|| Kingdom| Plantae|| Phylum| Angiosperms|| Class| Magnoliopsida|| Order| Gentianales|| Family| Rubiaceae|| Genus| Coffea, Cinchona, Gardenia, Ixora, etc. |
Appearance
Rubiaceae plants come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. They can be trees, shrubs, or herbs, and their leaves can be either simple or compound. The flowers of Rubiaceae are typically small and have four or five petals that are fused at the base. The fruit can be a capsule, berry, or drupe, depending on the species.
Care Guide
Rubiaceae plants require moderate care to grow and thrive. Here are some tips for taking care of your Rubiaceae plants:- Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.- Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.- Soil: Use a well-draining, nutrient-rich soil.- Sunlight: Most Rubiaceae plants prefer partial shade to full sun.- Hardiness Zones: Rubiaceae plants are typically tropical or subtropical and prefer warm temperatures. They are hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Rubiaceae plants are susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, including:- Mealybugs- Spider mites- Scale insects- Root rot- Powdery mildewPrevention is key when it comes to pests and diseases. Keep your plants healthy by providing them with the proper care, and monitor them regularly for signs of infestation or infection.
Habitat
Rubiaceae plants are found throughout the world, but the majority of species are found in tropical regions. They are typically found in forests, but some species can be found in grasslands or wetlands.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the most economically important plant in the Rubiaceae family?
A: Coffee, which is derived from the Coffea genus, is the most economically important plant in the Rubiaceae family.
Q: What types of soil do Rubiaceae plants prefer?
A: Rubiaceae plants prefer well-draining, nutrient-rich soil.
Q: Are Rubiaceae plants hardy?
A: Rubiaceae plants are typically tropical or subtropical and prefer warm temperatures. They are hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Q: What are some common pests and diseases that affect Rubiaceae plants?
A: Rubiaceae plants are susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, scale insects, root rot, and powdery mildew.
Related Plants
– Gardenia- Ixora- Quinine- Cinchona- Psychotria
References
– “Rubiaceae.” Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., n.d. Web.- “Rubiaceae.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Missouri Botanical Garden, n.d. Web.- “Gentianales.” The Plant List. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and Missouri Botanical Garden, 2013. Web.
