Contents
Description
Xylocarpus Granatum, commonly known as Cannonball Mangrove, is a species of mangrove tree that belongs to the family Meliaceae. It is found in the Indo-West Pacific region, from Madagascar to India, Southeast Asia, and Northern Australia. The plant is known for its large fruit, which resembles a cannonball and gives it its common name. The fruit of this tree is used for medicinal purposes and is also used to make furniture and boats.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Meliaceae |
| Genus | Xylocarpus |
Appearance
Xylocarpus Granatum is a large tree that can grow up to 30 meters tall. The bark is brownish-grey, rough, and fissured. The leaves are leathery, dark green, and oblong in shape, measuring up to 20 cm long and 10 cm wide. The flowers are small, white, and fragrant, and are arranged in large panicles. The fruit is round, green when young, and turns brown when ripe. It measures up to 25 cm in diameter and weighs up to 10 kg. The fruit contains large seeds, which are surrounded by a woody shell.
Care Guide
Xylocarpus Granatum is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:
Water
The plant prefers well-drained soil that is moist but not waterlogged. It can tolerate periodic flooding and saltwater.
Fertilization
The tree does not need regular fertilization, but it can benefit from occasional applications of a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
Soil
The plant can grow in a variety of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It prefers soils that are rich in organic matter.
Sunlight
The tree can grow in full sun or partial shade. It prefers areas with plenty of sunlight.
Hardiness Zones
Xylocarpus Granatum can grow in hardiness zones 10-12.
Common Pests & Diseases
Xylocarpus Granatum is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by the following:
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that can cause brown spots on the leaves. It can be treated with fungicides.
Scale Insects
Scale insects can infest the tree and cause yellowing of the leaves. They can be controlled with insecticides.
Spider Mites
Spider mites can cause leaf drop and discoloration of the leaves. They can be controlled with insecticides.
Habitat
Xylocarpus Granatum is found in the coastal regions of the Indo-West Pacific, from Madagascar to India, Southeast Asia, and Northern Australia. It grows in intertidal zones, estuaries, and mangrove forests. The plant is adapted to survive in saline environments and can tolerate periodic flooding and saltwater.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the medicinal use of Xylocarpus Granatum?
A: The fruit of this tree is used for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
Q: What is the common name of Xylocarpus Granatum?
A: The common name of this plant is Cannonball Mangrove.
Q: What is the size of the fruit of Xylocarpus Granatum?
A: The fruit can measure up to 25 cm in diameter and weigh up to 10 kg.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Xylocarpus Granatum?
A: The plant can grow in hardiness zones 10-12.
Related Plants
- Xylocarpus Moluccensis
- Xylocarpus Granatum var. Moluccensis
- Xylocarpus Granatum var. Obtusus
- Xylocarpus Granatum var. Sericeus
References
- “Xylocarpus Granatum (L.) Koenig.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science. Accessed 20 May 2021.
- “Cannonball Mangrove.” Florida Museum. Accessed 20 May 2021.
- “Xylocarpus Granatum.” World Agroforestry. Accessed 20 May 2021.
