Contents
Description
Scaphium Scaphigerum, commonly known as the Asian Walnut, is a medium-sized tree that belongs to the family Dipterocarpaceae. It is native to Southeast Asia and is commonly found in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines. This tree can grow up to 40 meters in height, with a trunk that can reach up to 2 meters in diameter.The Asian Walnut is known for its hard and durable wood, which is often used for furniture and construction purposes. It is also known for its medicinal properties, with its bark and leaves being used in traditional medicine for various ailments.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Dipterocarpaceae |
| Genus | Scaphium |
Appearance
The Asian Walnut has a straight, cylindrical trunk with smooth, gray bark. Its leaves are large, glossy, and dark green, measuring up to 30 centimeters in length. The tree produces small, fragrant flowers that are white or pink in color. Its fruit is a woody capsule that splits open to reveal its seeds.
Care Guide
To care for the Asian Walnut, it is important to provide it with adequate water, fertilization, soil, sunlight, and to consider the hardiness zone in which it will grow.Water: The tree requires regular watering, especially during the dry season. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.Fertilization: The Asian Walnut responds well to regular fertilization, especially during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is recommended.Soil: The tree prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, but it does best in loamy or sandy soils.Sunlight: The Asian Walnut requires full sun to thrive. It can tolerate some shade but will not grow as well.Hardiness Zones: The tree is hardy in USDA zones 10 and 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Asian Walnut is susceptible to various pests and diseases, including heart rot, leaf spot, and termites. To prevent these problems, it is important to maintain good sanitation practices and to use appropriate insecticides and fungicides when necessary.
Habitat
The Asian Walnut is native to Southeast Asia and is commonly found in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines. It grows in lowland and hill forests and can be found at elevations of up to 1500 meters.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the Asian Walnut used for?
A: The Asian Walnut is known for its hard and durable wood, which is often used for furniture and construction purposes. Its bark and leaves are also used in traditional medicine for various ailments.
Q: How tall can the Asian Walnut grow?
A: The Asian Walnut can grow up to 40 meters in height.
Q: What type of soil does the Asian Walnut prefer?
A: The Asian Walnut prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, but it does best in loamy or sandy soils.
Q: What pests and diseases are common in the Asian Walnut?
A: The Asian Walnut is susceptible to heart rot, leaf spot, and termites.
Related Plants
- Shorea
- Dipterocarpus
- Vatica
- Parashorea
References
- “Scaphium scaphigerum.” Flora of China, www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=200013228. Accessed 12 Oct. 2021.
- “Scaphium scaphigerum (Miq.) Becc.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science, powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:327572-1. Accessed 12 Oct. 2021.
- “Scaphium scaphigerum.” Useful Tropical Plants, tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Scaphium+scaphigerum. Accessed 12 Oct. 2021.
