Contents
Description
Bridelia Ferruginea, also known as the Ethiopian greenbark, is a deciduous tree native to tropical Africa. It can grow up to 30 meters tall and has a spreading crown. The bark is green and smooth when young, turning brown and rough as it ages. The tree produces small, greenish-white flowers in clusters that bloom from June to August. The fruit is a small, fleshy drupe that turns red when ripe, containing a single seed. The tree is used for its medicinal properties and the wood is used for fuel and furniture.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Phyllanthaceae |
| Genus | Bridelia |
Appearance
Bridelia Ferruginea has a unique appearance with green, smooth bark when young and rough, brown bark when mature. It has a spreading crown and can grow up to 30 meters tall. The leaves are simple, alternate, and ovate or elliptical in shape, with a length of 6 to 12 cm and a width of 4 to 8 cm. They are glossy on the upper surface and dull on the lower surface. The tree produces small, greenish-white flowers in clusters that bloom from June to August. The fruit is a small, fleshy drupe that turns red when ripe, containing a single seed.
Care Guide
Bridelia Ferruginea requires moderate care to thrive. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun exposure. The tree can withstand drought conditions, but regular watering is recommended to promote growth. Fertilization should be done twice a year during the growing season. The tree can grow in hardiness zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Bridelia Ferruginea is susceptible to pests and diseases such as mealybugs, scale insects, and leaf spot. Mealybugs and scale insects can be controlled by spraying the tree with a mixture of water and soap. Leaf spot can be treated by removing infected leaves and spraying with a fungicide.
Habitat
Bridelia Ferruginea is native to tropical Africa and can be found in countries such as Nigeria, Cameroon, and Ghana. It grows in dry forests and savannas, as well as along riverbanks and in disturbed areas.
Question and Answer
Q: What is Bridelia Ferruginea used for?
A: Bridelia Ferruginea is used for its medicinal properties and the wood is used for fuel and furniture.
Q: What is the size of Bridelia Ferruginea?
A: Bridelia Ferruginea can grow up to 30 meters tall.
Q: What is the fruit of Bridelia Ferruginea?
A: The fruit is a small, fleshy drupe that turns red when ripe, containing a single seed.
Q: Where is Bridelia Ferruginea found?
A: Bridelia Ferruginea is native to tropical Africa and can be found in countries such as Nigeria, Cameroon, and Ghana.
Related Plants
- Bridelia Atroviridis
- Bridelia Ferrugine
- Bridelia Holstii
- Bridelia Micrantha
References
- “Bridelia Ferruginea.” PlantZAfrica.com, www.plantzafrica.com/plantab/brideliaferr.htm.
- “Bridelia Ferruginea.” World Agroforestry, www.worldagroforestry.org/treedb/AFTPDFS/Bridelia_ferruginea.PDF.
- “Bridelia Ferruginea.” The Plant List, www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/kew-2683152.
