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Description
Acronychia suberosa, also known as Corky acronychia or Lime Berry, is a rare plant species endemic to Australia. It belongs to the family Rutaceae and is a small tree or shrub that can grow up to 10 meters tall. This plant produces small, round fruits that have a tart, lime-like flavor and are often used in cooking.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Rutaceae |
| Genus | Acronychia |
Appearance
The Corky acronychia has a unique appearance with its rough, cork-like bark and glossy, green leaves that are arranged in an alternate pattern. The leaves are lanceolate and can grow up to 12 centimeters long. The flowers are small and white, and they bloom in clusters from September to December. The fruits are small and round, about 1 centimeter in diameter, and have a greenish-yellow color that turns orange when fully ripe.
Care Guide
The Corky acronychia is a relatively hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of conditions.
- Water: Water regularly, but do not overwater as this can cause root rot.
- Fertilization: Fertilize once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: Plant in well-draining soil that is slightly acidic.
- Sunlight: The Corky acronychia prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA Zones 9b to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Corky acronychia is relatively pest and disease-resistant, but can still be affected by the following:
- Mites: These tiny insects can cause leaf damage and discoloration.
- Scale insects: These insects can cause yellowing and wilting of leaves.
- Fungal diseases: These diseases can cause leaf spots and blights.
Habitat
The Corky acronychia is native to Australia and can be found in a variety of habitats, including rainforests, woodlands, and riparian zones. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate both dry and humid conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Corky acronychia be grown in containers?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown in containers as long as it has enough room to grow and the soil is well-draining.
Q: Can the fruits of the Corky acronychia be eaten?
A: Yes, the fruits are edible and have a tart, lime-like flavor.
Q: Does the Corky acronychia attract wildlife?
A: Yes, the fruits are attractive to a variety of birds and animals.
Q: How often should the Corky acronychia be pruned?
A: Prune as needed to control the size and shape of the plant, but avoid heavy pruning as this can reduce fruit production.
Related Plants
- Acronychia baeuerlenii
- Acronychia littoralis
- Acronychia vestita
References
- Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment. (2021). Acronychia suberosa. Australian Government. Retrieved from https://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/abrs/online-resources/flora/stddisplay.xsql?pnid=53148
- Flora of Australia. (n.d.). Acronychia suberosa. Australian Biological Resources Study. Retrieved from https://profiles.ala.org.au/opus/foa/profile/Acronychia%20suberosa
- PlantNET. (n.d.). Acronychia suberosa. Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. Retrieved from https://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Acronychia~suberosa
