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Description
Barringtonia Racemosa, commonly known as the Indian Oak, is a tropical tree that belongs to the Lecythidaceae family. This plant is native to the Indian Ocean islands, Southeast Asia, and Northern Australia. It grows up to 25 meters tall and has a broad, dense crown with long, drooping branches. The tree has a grayish bark and produces beautiful, fragrant flowers that bloom during the night. These flowers are followed by large, woody fruits that contain small seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Lecythidaceae |
| Genus | Barringtonia |
Appearance
The Barringtonia Racemosa has large, glossy leaves that are dark green in color and can grow up to 25 cm long. The tree produces clusters of fragrant flowers that are white or pink and have a bell-shaped appearance. The flowers bloom during the night and are followed by large, woody fruits that can grow up to 20 cm long. The fruits have a round shape and are brown in color with a hard, woody exterior. The tree has a unique appearance with a broad, dense crown and long, drooping branches.
Care Guide
The Barringtonia Racemosa is a tropical plant that requires a warm, humid environment to thrive. Here are some care tips:
- Water: The tree requires regular watering to keep the soil moist. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.
- Fertilization: The tree can be fertilized during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The tree can tolerate partial shade but thrives in full sun exposure.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 10-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Barringtonia Racemosa is relatively pest-free, but it can be susceptible to fungal diseases if the soil is kept too wet. Here are some common pests and diseases:
- Root rot: Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can cause the plant to wilt and die.
- Leaf spot: Fungal diseases can cause spots to appear on the leaves, which can lead to defoliation.
- Mites: Spider mites can infest the plant and cause yellowing of the leaves.
Habitat
The Barringtonia Racemosa is native to the Indian Ocean islands, Southeast Asia, and Northern Australia. It can be found in coastal regions, mangrove swamps, and along riverbanks. The tree prefers a warm, humid environment and can grow in a variety of soil types.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the blooming period of Barringtonia Racemosa?
A: The tree produces fragrant flowers that bloom during the night from May to September.
Q: Can Barringtonia Racemosa grow in containers?
A: Yes, the tree can be grown in containers as long as it is provided with a warm, humid environment and regular watering.
Q: How often should I fertilize Barringtonia Racemosa?
A: The tree can be fertilized every 2-3 months during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: What is the significance of the name Barringtonia?
A: The genus was named after the English botanist, Daines Barrington, who collected specimens of the plant in the West Indies in the 18th century.
Related Plants
- Barringtonia Asiatica
- Barringtonia Acutangula
- Barringtonia Calyptrata
- Barringtonia Edulis
References
- “Barringtonia Racemosa – Indian Oak.” World Agroforestry Centre. https://www.worldagroforestry.org/treedb2/AFTPDFS/Barringtonia_racemosa.PDF
- “Barringtonia Racemosa.” The Plant List. http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/kew-2668250
- “Barringtonia Racemosa.” Floridata. https://floridata.com/Plants/Lecythidaceae/Barringtonia%20racemosa/1365
