Contents
Description
Acrocarpus is a genus of deciduous trees commonly known as pink cedar, Indian cedar, or shingle tree. These trees are native to Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent. Acrocarpus trees are known for their fast growth rate and their ability to grow up to 60 meters tall, with a trunk diameter of over 2 meters. They have a straight, cylindrical trunk and a conical crown with drooping branches that form a graceful silhouette.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Leguminosae |
| Genus | Acrocarpus |
Appearance
Acrocarpus trees have a unique appearance that sets them apart from other tree species. They have a smooth, greyish-brown bark that peels off in thin strips. The leaves are compound, with 7-9 leaflets that are lance-shaped and up to 15 cm long. The flowers are pink or white, and they grow in large, pendulous clusters that can be up to 50 cm long. The fruit is a long, flattened pod that contains 10-15 seeds.
Care Guide
Acrocarpus trees require specific care to thrive. Here are some tips for taking care of your Acrocarpus tree:Water: Acrocarpus trees prefer moist soil, so water them regularly during the growing season. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer once a year in the spring to promote healthy growth.Soil: Acrocarpus trees prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. They can tolerate a wide range of soil types, but they do best in slightly acidic soil.Sunlight: Acrocarpus trees require full sunlight to grow properly. They can tolerate partial shade, but this can slow down their growth rate.Hardiness Zones: Acrocarpus trees are hardy in USDA zones 10-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Acrocarpus trees are generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, they can be susceptible to root rot if they are overwatered. Some common pests that can affect Acrocarpus trees include scale insects, mealybugs, and spider mites. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Acrocarpus trees are native to Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent. They grow in tropical and subtropical regions, and they prefer moist, well-drained soil. Acrocarpus trees are commonly found in lowland rainforests, but they can also grow in drier areas.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Acrocarpus trees tolerate drought?
A: No, Acrocarpus trees require moist soil and cannot tolerate drought.Q: How fast do Acrocarpus trees grow?
A: Acrocarpus trees are fast-growing and can grow up to 3 meters per year.Q: Are Acrocarpus trees evergreen?
A: No, Acrocarpus trees are deciduous and lose their leaves in the winter.Q: Can Acrocarpus trees be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Acrocarpus trees can be grown in containers when they are young, but they will eventually outgrow the container and need to be planted in the ground.
Related Plants
Other plants in the Leguminosae family include:
- Acacia
- Cassia
- Robinia
- Cercis
- Gleditsia
References
- “Acrocarpus.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 10 Aug. 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acrocarpus.
- “Acrocarpus Fraxinifolius.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science, accessed 10 Aug. 2021, powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:506530-1.
