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Description
Sapium Glandulosum, also known as the Poison Sapium, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. It is native to Central and South America and can grow up to 13 feet tall. The plant’s sap is toxic and can cause skin irritation or severe inflammation when exposed to it.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae |
| Genus | Sapium |
Appearance
The Sapium Glandulosum has green leaves that are alternate, simple, and ovate in shape. They can grow up to 7 inches long and 3 inches wide. The plant’s flowers are small and greenish-yellow in color, and they bloom in late summer or early fall. The fruit is a three-lobed capsule that contains three seeds. The plant has a relatively short lifespan, and its leaves turn yellow before falling off in the fall.
Care Guide
The Sapium Glandulosum plant requires moderate watering, and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. It prefers well-draining soil and can benefit from fertilization during the growing season. The plant can tolerate full sun or partial shade and is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Sapium Glandulosum plant is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs. It can also develop powdery mildew or leaf spot disease. To prevent these issues, ensure the plant has adequate air circulation, and avoid overwatering. If pests or diseases occur, treat them with an appropriate pesticide or fungicide.
Habitat
The Sapium Glandulosum plant is native to Central and South America and can be found in tropical and subtropical regions. It grows well in areas with high humidity and moderate rainfall, such as rainforests or savannas.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the sap of the Sapium Glandulosum plant toxic?
A: Yes, the sap is toxic and can cause skin irritation or severe inflammation when exposed to it.
Q: Can the Sapium Glandulosum plant tolerate full sun or partial shade?
A: Yes, it can tolerate both full sun and partial shade.
Q: What are the common pests and diseases that affect the Sapium Glandulosum plant?
A: The plant is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, mealybugs, powdery mildew, and leaf spot disease.
Q: Where is the Sapium Glandulosum plant native to?
A: The plant is native to Central and South America.
Related Plants
- Sapium Biloculare
- Sapium Sebiferum
- Sapium Mexiae
References
- “Sapium glandulosum.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 26, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287235&isprofile=0&cv=1.
- “Sapium glandulosum.” USDA Plants Database. Accessed August 26, 2021. https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=SAGL.
- “Sapium glandulosum.” PlantFiles. Accessed August 26, 2021. https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/193797/.
