Contents
Description
Xylomelum Angustifolium, commonly known as the Western Woody Pear, is a plant species endemic to Australia. It belongs to the Proteaceae family, which includes other well-known plants such as Banksia and Grevillea. The Western Woody Pear is a small to medium-sized tree that grows up to 6-10 meters in height. It has a unique fruit that looks like a small woody pear, hence its name. This fruit is not edible for humans but is an important food source for native animals such as birds and possums.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Proteales |
| Family | Proteaceae |
| Genus | Xylomelum |
| Species | Xylomelum Angustifolium |
Appearance
The Western Woody Pear has narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are about 10-20 cm long and 1-2 cm wide. These leaves are dark green and glossy on top, while the underside is covered with fine hairs. The flowers are a pale yellow color and are arranged in clusters at the end of the branches. The fruit is a woody pear-shaped capsule that is about 3-5 cm long and 2-4 cm wide. When it ripens, it splits open to reveal numerous small, winged seeds.
Care Guide
The Western Woody Pear 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: Water regularly during the first few years of growth, especially during dry periods. Once established, the plant can tolerate some drought.
- Fertilization: Apply a slow-release fertilizer in spring to promote healthy growth.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining, sandy soils but can tolerate a range of soil types.
- Sunlight: The Western Woody Pear prefers full sun to light shade.
- Hardiness Zones: This plant is suitable for hardiness zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Western Woody Pear is generally pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is poorly drained. Some common pests that can affect this plant include scale insects and mealybugs. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Habitat
The Western Woody Pear is native to the southwestern part of Western Australia, where it grows in sandy soils in open woodlands and heathlands. It is a fire-tolerant plant and can resprout from its base after a fire.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the fruit of the Western Woody Pear edible?
A: No, the fruit is not edible for humans but is an important food source for native animals.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for the Western Woody Pear?
A: The plant is suitable for hardiness zones 9-11.
Q: What are some common pests that can affect the Western Woody Pear?
A: Scale insects and mealybugs are common pests that can affect this plant.
Q: Where is the Western Woody Pear native to?
A: The plant is native to the southwestern part of Western Australia.
Related Plants
- Xylomelum pyriforme
- Xylomelum occidentale
- Xylomelum cunninghamianum
References
- “Xylomelum angustifolium”. Florabank.
- “Xylomelum angustifolium”. Australian National Botanic Gardens.
- “Xylomelum angustifolium”. PlantNET.
