Contents
Description
Tarenna Mollissima is an evergreen shrub that belongs to the family of Rubiaceae. It is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia. This plant grows up to 3 meters tall and has a spread of around 2 meters. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and leathery with a length of 10-20 cm and width of 4-8 cm. The flowers are small, white, and tubular with a diameter of 0.5 cm. The fruit is a small, red berry that turns black when ripe.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Rubiaceae |
| Genus | Tarenna |
Appearance
Tarenna Mollissima is a beautiful evergreen shrub with shiny, dark green leaves that are leathery in texture. The leaves are long and oval-shaped with a pointed tip. The flowers are small, white, and tubular in shape with a diameter of 0.5 cm. They are arranged in clusters at the end of the branches. The fruit is a small, red berry that turns black when ripe. The bark is smooth and light brown in color.
Care Guide
Tarenna Mollissima is a low-maintenance plant that requires moderate care. Here are some care tips to help your plant thrive:- Water: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is kept moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant once a week during the growing season and reduce watering in winter.- Fertilization: Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.- Soil: Tarenna Mollissima prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full sun. It can tolerate full shade but may not flower as much.- Hardiness Zones: Tarenna Mollissima grows well in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Tarenna Mollissima is relatively pest and disease-free. However, here are some common pests and diseases that may affect the plant:- Mealybugs: These pests feed on the sap of the plant and can cause stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. Use a systemic insecticide to control the infestation.- Scale insects: These pests attach themselves to the leaves and stems of the plant and suck the sap. Use a horticultural oil to control the infestation.- Root rot: Overwatering can cause root rot, which can lead to the death of the plant. To prevent root rot, ensure the soil is well-draining and do not let the plant sit in water.
Habitat
Tarenna Mollissima is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia. It prefers moist, well-draining soil and partial shade to full sun. The plant can tolerate a range of temperatures and can grow in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Tarenna Mollissima a fast-growing plant?
A: No, Tarenna Mollissima is a slow-growing plant.Q: Can Tarenna Mollissima be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Tarenna Mollissima can be grown indoors in bright, indirect light.Q: Does Tarenna Mollissima attract bees?
A: Yes, Tarenna Mollissima attracts bees and other pollinators.Q: Can Tarenna Mollissima be used for medicinal purposes?
A: Yes, Tarenna Mollissima is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as fever and cough.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants that belong to the same family as Tarenna Mollissima:- Gardenia jasminoides- Coffea arabica- Cinchona officinalis- Ixora coccinea- Psychotria nervosa
References
– Flora of China. (n.d.). Tarenna mollissima. Retrieved from http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=200018128- Plants of the World Online. (n.d.). Tarenna mollissima. Retrieved from https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:747423-1
