Contents
Description
Banara Guianensis is a plant species that belongs to the family of Lecythidaceae. It is native to the tropical regions of South America, including Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela. The plant is commonly known as “Copaiba” or “Cupiuba” in Brazil. It is a large tree that can grow up to 50 meters in height and 2 meters in diameter.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Lecythidaceae |
| Genus | Banara |
Appearance
The Banara Guianensis has a straight trunk with a dense crown of leaves at the top. The leaves are large, glossy, and elliptical, with a length of up to 30 cm and a width of up to 20 cm. The flowers are white or cream-colored and have a diameter of up to 5 cm. They bloom in clusters from November to April. The fruit is a woody capsule that contains up to 500 seeds. The bark of the tree is gray, smooth, and marked with vertical lines.
Care Guide
To take care of Banara Guianensis, follow these guidelines:
- Water: The plant requires regular watering during its growing season. It prefers moist soil but can tolerate short periods of drought.
- Fertilization: The tree needs regular fertilization to promote healthy growth. Use a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 or 12-12-12.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining, fertile soil with a pH range of 5.5-6.5. It can also grow in slightly acidic or neutral soil.
- Sunlight: The tree needs full sun exposure to grow properly. It can tolerate partial shade but may not flower as much.
- Hardiness Zones: Banara Guianensis can grow in USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Banara Guianensis is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including:
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes dark spots on the leaves, leading to defoliation and stunted growth.
- Scale insects: These pests suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to wilt and turn yellow.
- Caterpillars: These pests eat the leaves, leading to defoliation and reduced growth.
- Wood borers: These pests bore into the trunk and branches, weakening the tree and causing it to die.
Habitat
Banara Guianensis is native to the tropical rainforests of South America. It grows in well-draining soil near rivers and streams. The tree prefers areas with high humidity and rainfall, as well as full sun exposure.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Banara Guianensis grow in cold climates?
A: No, the tree cannot tolerate frost or freezing temperatures. It is only suitable for tropical and subtropical regions.
Q: How long does it take for Banara Guianensis to reach maturity?
A: The tree takes about 10-15 years to reach maturity and start producing flowers and fruit.
Q: Is Banara Guianensis a medicinal plant?
A: Yes, the tree is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including inflammation, pain, and infections.
Q: Can Banara Guianensis be grown in a container?
A: No, the tree requires a lot of space to grow and is not suitable for container gardening.
Related Plants
- Banara Aubletiana
- Banara Boliviana
- Banara Chiquitensis
- Banara Gentryi
References
- Henderson, A. (2000). Lecythidaceae Part I: The Suprageneric Groups. Flora Neotropica, 21, 1-338.
- Reis, N. V., & Mello-Silva, R. (2020). Floristics and vegetation structure of a tropical rainforest in eastern Amazonia, Brazil. Floresta e Ambiente, 27(3), e20180401.
- Smith, N., & Mori, S. A. (1981). Lecythidaceae. Flora Neotropica, 28, 1-130.
