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Description
Sterculia Lanceolata, also known as the Lance-leaved Sterculia, is a flowering tree that belongs to the family Malvaceae. It is native to tropical regions in Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands. The tree can grow up to 20 meters tall and has a broad spreading crown. The bark is smooth and grey in color, while the leaves are simple, alternate, and lance-shaped. The flowers are typically yellow and have five petals, while the fruit is a woody capsule that splits open to reveal seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Genus | Sterculia |
Appearance
The Sterculia Lanceolata has a unique appearance that makes it a popular ornamental tree. Its lance-shaped leaves are typically 10-20 cm long and 2-4 cm wide, with a glossy green surface and a paler underside. The flowers are usually yellow and have a tubular shape, with five petals and a diameter of around 3 cm. The fruit is a woody capsule that can grow up to 10 cm long and 7 cm wide, with a rough surface and a pointed end. The seeds are black and have a hard outer shell.
Care Guide
The Sterculia Lanceolata is a hardy tree that can adapt to a wide range of growing conditions. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:
- Water: The tree prefers moist soil but can tolerate short periods of drought. Water deeply once a week in the absence of rain.
- Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer once a year in early spring to promote healthy growth.
- Soil: The tree can grow in a variety of soil types, but prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The tree prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The Sterculia Lanceolata is hardy to USDA zones 10-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Sterculia Lanceolata is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to fungal infections, particularly in humid conditions. Here are some common pests and diseases that can affect this plant:
- Anthracnose: A fungal infection that can cause leaf spots and premature leaf drop.
- Scale insects: Small, oval-shaped insects that feed on the sap of the tree and can cause yellowing and wilting of leaves.
- Leaf miners: Tiny insects that create tunnels in the leaves of the tree, causing them to turn brown and die.
Habitat
The Sterculia Lanceolata is native to tropical regions in Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands. It can be found in a variety of habitats, including rainforests, woodlands, and coastal areas. The tree prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate both wet and dry conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Sterculia Lanceolata be grown in a container?
A: Yes, the tree can be grown in a container, but it may require more frequent watering and fertilization.
Q: Is the Sterculia Lanceolata a fast-growing tree?
A: Yes, the tree can grow up to 1 meter per year under optimal growing conditions.
Q: Does the Sterculia Lanceolata have any medicinal properties?
A: Yes, the bark of the tree has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, cough, and diarrhea.
Q: Is the Sterculia Lanceolata an endangered species?
A: No, the tree is not currently listed as an endangered species.
Related Plants
- Sterculia apetala
- Sterculia chicha
- Sterculia foetida
- Sterculia macrophylla
References
- “Sterculia lanceolata.” Australian Tropical Rainforest Plants. Accessed 30 September 2021. https://apps.lucidcentral.org/rainforest/text/entities/Sterculia_lanceolata.htm
- “Sterculia lanceolata.” Flora of China. Accessed 30 September 2021. http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=200013673
- “Sterculia lanceolata.” World Agroforestry. Accessed 30 September 2021. https://www.worldagroforestry.org/treedb2/speciesprofile.php?Spid=17752
