Contents
Description
Alphitonia Incana, also known as the “Red Ash” or “Leatherwood Ash”, is a species of tree in the family Rhamnaceae. It is native to Australia and Papua New Guinea and can grow up to 20 meters tall. The tree has a straight trunk and a dense, rounded crown of foliage. The bark is rough and grey-brown in color, with deep fissures and ridges.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rhamnaceae |
| Genus | Alphitonia |
Appearance
The leaves of Alphitonia Incana are simple, alternate and elliptic in shape. They are glossy green on the upper surface and paler underneath. The tree produces small, greenish-white flowers in spring and summer, followed by small, dark red or black fruits that are edible but not commonly eaten. The wood of Alphitonia Incana is reddish-brown in color and is used for timber and furniture.
Care Guide
Alphitonia Incana is a hardy tree and requires little maintenance once established. It prefers well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade. Water the tree regularly during the first few years of growth to help establish a strong root system. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in spring and summer. The tree is hardy to USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Alphitonia Incana is generally free of pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to fungal diseases such as root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils.
Habitat
Alphitonia Incana is found in a variety of habitats, including rainforests, woodlands, and riparian zones. It is native to Australia and Papua New Guinea and is also found in parts of Indonesia.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Alphitonia Incana drought-tolerant?
A: Alphitonia Incana can tolerate some drought once established, but it prefers regular watering.
Q: Can Alphitonia Incana be grown in containers?
A: Alphitonia Incana can be grown in large containers, but it may not reach its full potential size.
Q: Is Alphitonia Incana a fast-growing tree?
A: Alphitonia Incana is considered a moderate to fast-growing tree, and can grow up to 1 meter per year under optimal conditions.
Q: Does Alphitonia Incana have any medicinal properties?
A: Alphitonia Incana has been used in traditional medicine for a range of ailments, including coughs, colds, and skin conditions.
Related Plants
- Alphitonia petriei
- Alphitonia excelsa
- Alphitonia neocaledonica
References
- “Alphitonia incana.” Australian National Botanic Gardens. Accessed August 10, 2021. https://www.anbg.gov.au/gnp/interns-2004/alphitonia-incana.html.
- “Alphitonia incana.” PlantNET – NSW Flora Online. Accessed August 10, 2021. https://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Alphitonia~incana.
- “Alphitonia incana.” World Agroforestry Centre. Accessed August 10, 2021. https://www.worldagroforestry.org/treedb2/speciesprofile.php?Spid=180.
