Contents
Description
Suriana Maritima, commonly known as bay cedar or sea lavender, is a species of shrub that belongs to the family Surianaceae. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, Africa, and the Mediterranean. The plant has a woody stem and can grow up to 10 feet tall. Its leaves are small, elliptical, and glossy, and its flowers are small and yellow. The plant produces small, round, and fleshy fruits that turn black when ripe. Suriana Maritima is commonly found in coastal areas, salt marshes, and mangrove swamps, where it plays an important role in stabilizing the soil and preventing erosion.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Surianaceae |
| Genus | Suriana |
Appearance
Suriana Maritima is a shrub that can grow up to 10 feet tall. It has a woody stem and small, elliptical, and glossy leaves that are about 1 inch long. The plant produces small, yellow, and fragrant flowers that are about 0.2 inches in diameter. Its fruits are small, round, and fleshy, and turn black when ripe. Suriana Maritima has a dense and bushy growth habit and can form impenetrable thickets in coastal areas.
Care Guide
Suriana Maritima is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy and saline soils, and can grow in full sun or partial shade. The plant is drought-tolerant and can survive long periods without water. However, regular watering during the dry season can help to improve its growth and flowering. Suriana Maritima does not require fertilization, but a light application of a balanced fertilizer during the growing season can help to promote healthy growth. The plant is hardy to USDA zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Suriana Maritima is generally not susceptible to pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by root rot if the soil is waterlogged. To prevent root rot, make sure the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering the plant.
Habitat
Suriana Maritima is commonly found in coastal areas, salt marshes, and mangrove swamps. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, Africa, and the Mediterranean. The plant plays an important role in stabilizing the soil and preventing erosion in these habitats. Suriana Maritima is also cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Suriana Maritima a salt-tolerant plant?
A: Yes, Suriana Maritima is a salt-tolerant plant that can grow in saline soils.
Q: How often should Suriana Maritima be watered?
A: Suriana Maritima is a drought-tolerant plant that can survive long periods without water. However, regular watering during the dry season can help to improve its growth and flowering.
Q: What is the hardiness zone of Suriana Maritima?
A: Suriana Maritima is hardy to USDA zones 9 to 11.
Q: What is the growth habit of Suriana Maritima?
A: Suriana Maritima has a dense and bushy growth habit and can form impenetrable thickets in coastal areas.
Related Plants
- Suriana Robusta
- Suriana Ochracea
- Suriana Frutescens
References
- “Suriana maritima.” Missouri Botanical Garden. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org.
- “Suriana maritima.” Floridata. http://www.floridata.com.
- “Suriana maritima.” Plant Finder. https://www.plantfinder.com.
