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Description
Amyris Madrensis, also known as the Madre Mountains torchwood, is a small tree or shrub that belongs to the citrus family (Rutaceae). This plant is native to Mexico, specifically in the Madrean Sky Islands region, where it thrives in the rocky slopes and canyons of the mountains. Amyris Madrensis is known for its aromatic fragrance, which is similar to that of the related genus Citrus.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Rutaceae |
| Genus | Amyris |
| Species | Madrensis |
Appearance
Amyris Madrensis can grow up to 20 feet tall and has a spread of about 10 feet. It has a single or multi-trunked stem with a smooth bark that is grayish-brown in color. The leaves are ovate to elliptic in shape, about 1-2 inches long, and are dark green in color. The flowers are small, white, and fragrant, and appear in clusters at the ends of the branches. The fruit is a small, round drupe that is about 1/4 inch in diameter and is green when young, turning yellowish-brown when ripe.
Care Guide
Amyris Madrensis is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips to keep your plant healthy:
- Water: Water your plant regularly, but make sure the soil is well-drained. Do not overwater, as this can lead to root rot.
- Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer once a year in the spring.
- Soil: Plant your Amyris Madrensis in well-draining soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types, but prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5.
- Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Amyris Madrensis is hardy in USDA zones 8b-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Amyris Madrensis is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to scale insects and spider mites. To prevent these pests, keep your plant healthy and well-watered. If you notice any pests, use an insecticidal soap or neem oil to control them.
Habitat
Amyris Madrensis is native to the Madrean Sky Islands region of Mexico, where it thrives in the rocky slopes and canyons of the mountains. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including rocky and sandy soils. This plant prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate drought conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Amyris Madrensis poisonous?
A: No, Amyris Madrensis is not poisonous to humans or animals.
Q: Can Amyris Madrensis be grown in a container?
A: Yes, Amyris Madrensis can be grown in a container. Just make sure the container has drainage holes and use a well-draining soil mix.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Amyris Madrensis?
A: Apply a balanced fertilizer once a year in the spring.
Q: Can Amyris Madrensis tolerate cold temperatures?
A: No, Amyris Madrensis is only hardy in USDA zones 8b-10 and cannot tolerate freezing temperatures.
Related Plants
- Amyris balsamifera
- Amyris elemifera
- Amyris fragrans
- Amyris pinnata
References
- Arizona State University. (n.d.). Amyris madrensis. Retrieved from https://cals.arizona.edu/yavapaiplants/SpeciesDetail.aspx?genus=Amyris&species=madrensis
- Kartesz, J. T. (2015). Amyris madrensis. Retrieved from https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=506551#null
- U.S. Department of Agriculture. (n.d.). Plants Profile for Amyris madrensis. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=AMMA2
