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Description
Ungnadia Speciosa, commonly known as the Mexican Buckeye Tree, is a deciduous tree that is native to Mexico and Texas. It is a beautiful tree that produces small pink flowers in the spring, followed by shiny brown seed pods. The tree can grow up to 30 feet tall and has a spread of 15-25 feet. The Mexican Buckeye Tree is a popular ornamental tree due to its beautiful flowers and drought tolerance.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Sapindaceae |
| Genus | Ungnadia |
Appearance
The Mexican Buckeye Tree has a broad, spreading crown and a twisted trunk that is smooth and gray when young but becomes rough and scaly with age. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and compound, with 5-7 leaflets that are 2-4 inches long. The tree produces small pink flowers in the spring, followed by shiny brown seed pods that split open to reveal bright red seeds. The Mexican Buckeye Tree is a deciduous tree that loses its leaves in the fall, allowing for a clear view of its interesting branching pattern.
Care Guide
The Mexican Buckeye Tree is a relatively low-maintenance tree that requires minimal care once established. Here are some tips for caring for your Mexican Buckeye Tree:- Water: Water your tree deeply once a week during the growing season, and less frequently during periods of drought. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.- Fertilization: Fertilize your tree once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: The Mexican Buckeye Tree prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. Amend heavy clay soil with sand or compost to improve drainage.- Sunlight: The Mexican Buckeye Tree prefers full sun to partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: The Mexican Buckeye Tree is hardy in USDA Zones 7-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Mexican Buckeye Tree is relatively pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to leaf spot and powdery mildew. These diseases can be prevented by ensuring good air circulation around the tree and avoiding overhead watering. The tree may also attract caterpillars, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
The Mexican Buckeye Tree is native to Mexico and Texas and is commonly found in woodlands and along streams and rivers. The tree is tolerant of drought and can be grown in a variety of soil types.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Mexican Buckeye Tree poisonous?
A: Yes, the seeds of the Mexican Buckeye Tree are poisonous if ingested.Q: Does the Mexican Buckeye Tree attract wildlife?
A: Yes, the tree’s flowers attract bees and butterflies, and the fruit attracts birds.Q: How fast does the Mexican Buckeye Tree grow?
A: The Mexican Buckeye Tree grows relatively slowly, reaching a mature height of 30 feet in about 20-25 years.Q: Can the Mexican Buckeye Tree be grown in containers?
A: While it is possible to grow a Mexican Buckeye Tree in a container, it is not recommended, as the tree requires a large amount of soil and can become root-bound.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to the Mexican Buckeye Tree:- Soapberry (Sapindus saponaria)- Chinese Soapberry (Sapindus mukorossi)- Golden Hop Tree (Ptelea trifoliata)- American Smoke Tree (Cotinus obovatus)
References
– Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. (n.d.). Ungnadia Speciosa. Retrieved from https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=UNSP- Texas A&M Forest Service. (n.d.). Texas Buckeye. Retrieved from https://texasforestservice.tamu.edu/plant-identification/details/?id=33
