Contents
Description
Alnus Formosana, commonly known as the Formosan Alder, is a deciduous tree that is native to Taiwan. It belongs to the Betulaceae family and is known for its fast growth and attractive appearance. The tree can grow up to 20 meters tall and has a distinctive dark grey bark that is smooth when young and develops fissures as it ages. Alnus Formosana is a dioecious tree, meaning that male and female flowers are found on separate trees. The leaves of this tree are ovate or elliptical in shape, with serrated edges and a glossy surface. They are medium green in color and turn a golden yellow in the fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fagales |
| Family | Betulaceae |
| Genus | Alnus |
Appearance
Alnus Formosana is a tree with a pyramidal shape when young, with a broad crown when mature. The tree’s branches are slender and somewhat pendulous, with the twigs being reddish-brown in color. Its leaves are ovate or elliptical, with serrated edges, and a glossy dark green surface. The leaves turn golden yellow in the fall, adding to the tree’s attractive appearance. The tree produces catkins in the spring, with the male flowers being yellow and the female flowers being greenish-yellow.
Care Guide
Alnus Formosana is a hardy tree that is easy to care for. Here are some tips for taking care of this tree:
- Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water the tree deeply once a week during dry weather.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the tree in the spring with a slow-release nitrogen-rich fertilizer.
- Soil: The tree prefers a well-draining soil that is slightly acidic.
- Sunlight: Alnus Formosana prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: This tree is hardy in zones 7 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Alnus Formosana is generally not susceptible to many pests or diseases. However, here are some common issues that may occur:
- Alder aphid: These pests feed on the tree’s leaves and produce a sticky honeydew that attracts ants.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes brown or black spots on the tree’s leaves.
- Verticillium wilt: This soil-borne fungal disease causes wilting and yellowing of the tree’s leaves.
Habitat
Alnus Formosana is native to Taiwan, where it can be found growing in lowland forests and along streams. It prefers moist soils and can tolerate occasional flooding.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Alnus Formosana a good shade tree?
A: Yes, this tree is an excellent shade tree due to its broad crown and fast growth.
Q: Does Alnus Formosana attract wildlife?
A: Yes, this tree is attractive to birds and other wildlife due to its catkins and seeds.
Q: Can Alnus Formosana grow in containers?
A: No, this tree is too large to grow in containers and requires a lot of space to grow.
Q: Is Alnus Formosana a good tree for erosion control?
A: Yes, this tree’s extensive root system makes it an excellent choice for erosion control.
Related Plants
- Alnus glutinosa (Common Alder)
- Alnus incana (Grey Alder)
- Alnus japonica (Japanese Alder)
References
- “Alnus Formosana.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c373.
- “Alnus Formosana.” Plants of the World Online, plants.jstor.org/compilation/alnus.formosana.
- “Formosan Alder.” The Morton Arboretum, www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/formosan-alder.
