Styphnolobium

Description

Styphnolobium is a genus of flowering plants in the pea family, Fabaceae. It includes several species commonly known as the pagoda tree, which are native to eastern Asia and the Americas. The genus was formerly included in the genus Sophora, but recent molecular and morphological evidence supports its recognition as a distinct genus.The pagoda tree is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 25 meters in height. It has a broad, spreading crown and a straight trunk that can be up to 1 meter in diameter. The leaves are pinnately compound, with 7-17 leaflets that are ovate to lanceolate in shape. The flowers are white or cream-colored, and are borne in large panicles that can be up to 30 cm long. The fruit is a pod that is flat and oblong, with several seeds inside.

Taxonomic Information

| Domain | Eukaryota || Kingdom | Plantae || Phylum | Tracheophyta || Class | Magnoliopsida || Order | Fabales || Family | Fabaceae || Genus | Styphnolobium |

Appearance

The pagoda tree is a beautiful tree that is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. It has a broad, spreading crown and a straight trunk that can be up to 1 meter in diameter. The bark is grayish-brown and rough, with deep furrows and ridges. The leaves are pinnately compound, with 7-17 leaflets that are ovate to lanceolate in shape. The leaves are bright green in color, turning yellow in the fall.The flowers of the pagoda tree are white or cream-colored, and are borne in large panicles that can be up to 30 cm long. The flowers have a sweet fragrance and attract bees and other pollinators. The fruit is a pod that is flat and oblong, with several seeds inside. The pods turn brown and remain on the tree throughout the winter.

Care Guide

The pagoda tree is a hardy tree that is easy to grow and care for. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:- Water: The pagoda tree prefers well-drained soil and does not tolerate waterlogged conditions. Water the tree deeply once a week, especially during hot, dry weather.- Fertilization: Fertilize the pagoda tree in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application rates.- Soil: The pagoda tree prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It prefers a slightly acidic soil pH of 6.0 to 6.5.- Sunlight: The pagoda tree prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but will not flower as well in shady locations.- Hardiness Zones: The pagoda tree is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8.

Common Pests & Diseases

The pagoda tree is relatively pest-free, but it can be susceptible to some diseases, including:- Verticillium wilt: A fungal disease that causes the leaves to wilt and turn yellow. The disease can be controlled by removing infected branches and improving soil drainage.- Canker: A fungal disease that causes sunken areas on the bark and can kill branches. The disease can be controlled by pruning infected branches and improving air circulation.- Leaf spot: A fungal disease that causes brown spots on the leaves. The disease can be controlled by removing infected leaves and avoiding overhead watering.

Habitat

The pagoda tree is native to eastern Asia and the Americas. It is commonly found in forests, along riverbanks, and in other moist, well-drained habitats. The tree is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks.

Question and Answer

Q: Is the pagoda tree a fast-growing tree?A: Yes, the pagoda tree is a relatively fast-growing tree, especially when it is young. It can grow up to 1 meter per year under ideal conditions.Q: Does the pagoda tree have any medicinal uses?A: Yes, the pagoda tree has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including high blood pressure, liver disorders, and skin problems.Q: Can the pagoda tree be grown in containers?A: Yes, the pagoda tree can be grown in containers, but it will not reach its full size in this environment. It is best to plant the tree in the ground if possible.Q: How long does the pagoda tree live?A: The pagoda tree can live up to 100 years or more in the wild, but its lifespan is shorter in cultivation.

Related Plants

– Sophora japonica (Japanese pagoda tree)- Sophora flavescens (Chinese sophora)- Robinia pseudoacacia (black locust)- Laburnum anagyroides (golden chain tree)

References

– “Styphnolobium.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 17 Sept. 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Styphnolobium.- Dirr, Michael A. Dirr’s Encyclopedia of Trees and Shrubs. Timber Press, 2019.- Gilman, Edward F. Trees for Urban and Suburban Landscapes. Delmar Cengage Learning, 2002.