Contents
Description
Balanophora Laxiflora is a fascinating plant that belongs to the family Balanophoraceae. It is commonly known as “Gintong Yaman” in the Philippines, which translates to “Golden Treasure.” This unique plant has no leaves, stems, or chlorophyll, and it is entirely dependent on other plants for its survival. It is a parasitic plant that attaches itself to the roots of host trees to obtain nutrients and water.The Balanophora Laxiflora is a native plant in the Philippines and can be found in the tropical forests of Luzon, Palawan, and Mindanao. It is also found in other countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Magnoliophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Balanophorales |
| Family | Balanophoraceae |
| Genus | Balanophora |
Appearance
The Balanophora Laxiflora is a small, fleshy, and tuberous plant that can grow up to 30 cm in height. It has a yellowish-brown color, and its shape is round or oval. The flowers of this plant are tiny and clustered, and they do not have petals or sepals. The fruit produced by the Balanophora Laxiflora is also small and fleshy, and it is edible.
Care Guide
The Balanophora Laxiflora is a parasitic plant, and it does not require any care. However, it is essential to ensure that its host tree is healthy and has enough water and nutrients. If the host tree is unhealthy or weak, it can affect the growth and survival of the Balanophora Laxiflora.
Water
As a parasitic plant, the Balanophora Laxiflora does not require watering. It obtains its water from the host tree to which it attaches.
Fertilization
The Balanophora Laxiflora does not require fertilization as it obtains its nutrients from the host tree.
Soil
Since the Balanophora Laxiflora is a parasitic plant, it does not require soil.
Sunlight
The Balanophora Laxiflora grows in the dense forests of the Philippines, and it does not require direct sunlight. It thrives in shaded areas.
Hardiness Zones
The Balanophora Laxiflora is a tropical plant and can only grow in hardiness zones 10 and 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Balanophora Laxiflora does not have any known pests or diseases. However, if the host tree is unhealthy, it can affect the growth and survival of the Balanophora Laxiflora.
Habitat
The Balanophora Laxiflora is a native plant in the Philippines and can be found in the tropical forests of Luzon, Palawan, and Mindanao. It is also found in other countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia. It grows in shaded areas and attaches itself to the roots of host trees, such as the Dipterocarpus and Shorea trees.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Balanophora Laxiflora a flowering plant?
A: Yes, the Balanophora Laxiflora is a flowering plant, but its flowers are tiny and clustered, and they do not have petals or sepals.
Q: How does the Balanophora Laxiflora obtain its nutrients?
A: The Balanophora Laxiflora is a parasitic plant that attaches itself to the roots of host trees to obtain nutrients and water.
Q: Can the Balanophora Laxiflora be grown indoors?
A: No, the Balanophora Laxiflora cannot be grown indoors as it is a parasitic plant that requires a host tree to survive.
Q: Is the Balanophora Laxiflora an endangered species?
A: No, the Balanophora Laxiflora is not an endangered species, but it is a rare plant that can only be found in specific areas of the Philippines.
Related Plants
– Balanophora Fungosa- Balanophora Nervosa- Balanophora Tobiracola- Balanophora Willeana
References
– Flora of China. (n.d.). Balanophora Laxiflora. Retrieved from http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=200012947- Philippine Medicinal Plants. (n.d.). Gintong Yaman (Balanophora Laxiflora). Retrieved from http://www.stuartxchange.org/GintongYaman.html- Villanueva, R. M. (2018). Balanophora Laxiflora: A fascinating parasitic plant. Retrieved from https://www.pinoymountaineer.com/2018/07/balanophora-laxiflora-a-fascinating-parasitic-plant.html
