Contents
Description
Aphanamixis Polystachya, also known as the Indian Tree, is a deciduous tree commonly found in Southeast Asia. It can grow up to 20 meters tall and has a straight trunk with a round or oblong-shaped crown. The bark of the Indian Tree is smooth and grey, with prominent lenticels on young trees. The leaves are alternate, dark green, and have a length of 15-30 cm. It is a significant source of timber, medicine, and ornamental purposes.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Meliaceae |
| Genus | Aphanamixis |
Appearance
The Indian Tree has a straight trunk with a round or oblong-shaped crown. The bark is smooth and grey, with prominent lenticels on young trees. The leaves are alternate, dark green, and have a length of 15-30 cm. The flowers are small, greenish-white, and fragrant, with a length of 2-3 mm. The fruit is a capsule with a length of 2-3 cm and contains several seeds.
Care Guide
The Indian Tree is easy to care for and maintain. Here are some tips for taking care of this plant:- Water: The Indian Tree prefers well-draining soil and needs to be watered regularly. It is crucial to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.- Fertilization: Fertilize the Indian Tree with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Avoid fertilizing during the winter months.- Soil: The Indian Tree prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0-7.5.- Sunlight: The Indian Tree prefers full sun to partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: The Indian Tree is hardy in USDA zones 9b-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Indian Tree is susceptible to some pests and diseases, including:- Mealybugs: These pests are small, white, and waxy and can be found on the leaves and stems of the plant.- Scale insects: These pests are small and can be found on the leaves and stems of the plant.- Powdery mildew: This disease can be identified by the white powdery substance that appears on the leaves of the plant.- Leaf spot: This disease can be identified by the brown spots that appear on the leaves of the plant.
Habitat
The Indian Tree is native to Southeast Asia and can be found in countries such as India, Myanmar, and Thailand. It prefers tropical and subtropical climates and can grow in a variety of soil types.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Indian Tree a good source of timber?
A: Yes, the Indian Tree is a significant source of timber.
Q: What is the height of the Indian Tree?
A: The Indian Tree can grow up to 20 meters tall.
Q: What type of soil does the Indian Tree prefer?
A: The Indian Tree prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0-7.5.
Q: What are the common pests and diseases that affect the Indian Tree?
A: The Indian Tree is susceptible to mealybugs, scale insects, powdery mildew, and leaf spot.
Related Plants
– Azadirachta indica (Neem Tree)- Melia azedarach (Chinaberry)- Swietenia mahagoni (Mahogany)- Cedrela odorata (Spanish Cedar)
References
– “Aphanamixis polystachya.” Useful Tropical Plants, https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Aphanamixis+polystachya.- “Aphanamixis polystachya.” World Agroforestry Centre, https://www.worldagroforestry.org/treedb2/speciesprofile.php?Spid=74.
