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Description
Alniphyllum is a genus of flowering plants in the family Malvaceae. It comprises only one species, Alniphyllum fortunei, which is native to China. This deciduous tree can grow up to 20 meters tall and has a broad and round crown. Its leaves are alternate, simple, and ovate, with serrated margins. The flowers are pink or red and appear in clusters from late summer to early autumn. The fruit is a capsule that contains seeds covered in silky hairs.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Genus | Alniphyllum |
| Species | Alniphyllum fortunei |
Appearance
Alniphyllum fortunei is a beautiful tree that can add a lot of aesthetic value to any landscape. It has a straight trunk with grayish-brown bark, and its branches grow in a symmetrical pattern. The leaves are a bright green color and have a glossy texture. During the autumn, they turn yellow before falling off. The flowers are not particularly showy, but they add a pop of color to the tree’s foliage. The fruit is a small, brownish capsule that releases silky seeds when it bursts open.
Care Guide
Alniphyllum fortunei is a hardy tree that can tolerate a wide range of conditions. Here are some care tips to keep it healthy and thriving:
Water: Young trees need regular watering until they establish their roots. After that, they can tolerate periods of drought, but they still need occasional watering during prolonged dry spells.
Fertilization: Alniphyllum fortunei benefits from annual fertilization in the spring. Use a balanced fertilizer and follow the package instructions carefully.
Soil: This tree prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
Sunlight: Alniphyllum fortunei prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much can cause stunted growth and poor flowering.
Hardiness Zones: This tree is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 10, which means it can survive temperatures as low as 0°F (-18°C).
Common Pests & Diseases
Alniphyllum fortunei is relatively pest and disease-free, but it can still be affected by some issues. Here are some of the most common ones:
Aphids: These small insects suck sap from the leaves and can cause them to curl and turn yellow. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes brown spots on the leaves and can weaken the tree over time. It can be prevented by keeping the leaves dry and removing any infected foliage.
Powdery mildew: This fungal disease causes a white powder-like substance to form on the leaves. It can be treated with fungicides or by improving air circulation around the tree.
Habitat
Alniphyllum fortunei is native to China, where it grows in the understory of forests and along streams. It prefers moist, well-drained soils and can tolerate both sun and shade. It is not widely cultivated outside of its native range, but it can be grown in other parts of the world as an ornamental tree.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Alniphyllum fortunei be grown in containers?
A: While Alniphyllum fortunei can technically be grown in containers, it is not an ideal candidate for this purpose. It can grow quite large and requires a lot of space to spread out its roots. It is better suited to being planted in the ground.
Q: Is Alniphyllum fortunei prone to any particular diseases?
A: Alniphyllum fortunei is relatively disease-free, but it can be affected by leaf spot and powdery mildew. These issues can be prevented by keeping the leaves dry and removing any infected foliage.
Q: How often does Alniphyllum fortunei need to be fertilized?
A: Alniphyllum fortunei benefits from annual fertilization in the spring. Use a balanced fertilizer and follow the package instructions carefully.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Alniphyllum fortunei?
A: Alniphyllum fortunei is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 10, which means it can survive temperatures as low as 0°F (-18°C).
Related Plants
Here are some plants that are related to Alniphyllum:
- Abutilon
- Hibiscus
- Lavatera
- Sidalcea
References
- “Alniphyllum.” Flora of China, www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=200013793. Accessed 28 Sept. 2021.
- “Alniphyllum fortunei.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=l850. Accessed 28 Sept. 2021.
- “Alniphyllum fortunei.” Plantwise Knowledge Bank, www.plantwise.org/knowledgebank/datasheet/53763. Accessed 28 Sept. 2021.
