Contents
Description
Bridelia Retusa, also known as the Indian Mulberry or the Sankhu Pushpi, is a small to medium-sized tree that belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. It is native to Asia and can be found in countries such as India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. The tree is highly valued for its medicinal properties and is commonly used in traditional medicine.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae |
| Genus | Bridelia |
Appearance
Bridelia Retusa can grow up to 20 meters tall and has a trunk diameter of up to 60 cm. The tree has a dense and rounded crown with numerous branches. The leaves are simple, alternate, and ovate-lanceolate in shape, with a length of 10-15 cm and a width of 5-7 cm. The leaves are dark green and glossy on the upper surface, while the lower surface is covered with fine hairs. The flowers are small and greenish-yellow in color, and the fruits are small, round, and reddish-brown in color.
Care Guide
Bridelia Retusa is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:- Water: Bridelia Retusa prefers moist soil, so it is important to keep the soil evenly moist during the growing season. However, be careful not to overwater the plant, as this can lead to root rot.- Fertilization: You can fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.- Soil: Bridelia Retusa prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mixture of peat moss, sand, and perlite is ideal.- Sunlight: Bridelia Retusa prefers partial shade to full sun.- Hardiness Zones: Bridelia Retusa is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Bridelia Retusa is generally free from serious pests and diseases. However, here are some common problems that you may encounter:- Scale insects: These insects can cause yellowing of the leaves and stunted growth. You can control them by using an insecticidal soap or neem oil.- Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause yellowing and spotting of the leaves. You can control it by removing infected leaves and applying a fungicide.- Root rot: This disease can be caused by overwatering the plant. To prevent this, make sure the soil is well-draining and do not overwater the plant.
Habitat
Bridelia Retusa can be found in a variety of habitats, including tropical and subtropical forests, riverbanks, and scrublands. It is native to Asia and can be found in countries such as India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Bridelia Retusa a fast-growing plant?
A: Bridelia Retusa is a moderately fast-growing plant.
Q: Is Bridelia Retusa poisonous?
A: Bridelia Retusa is not poisonous.
Q: Can Bridelia Retusa be grown indoors?
A: Bridelia Retusa can be grown indoors as a houseplant, but it prefers to be grown outdoors in a sunny location.
Q: How tall does Bridelia Retusa grow?
A: Bridelia Retusa can grow up to 20 meters tall.
Related Plants
Here are some plants that are related to Bridelia Retusa:- Bridelia Ferruginea- Bridelia Micrantha- Bridelia Scandens- Bridelia Retusa Var. Lanceolata
References
– “Bridelia Retusa Information.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286057.- “Bridelia Retusa.” Useful Tropical Plants, tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Bridelia+retusa.
