Contents
Description
Caesalpinia Decapetala, also known as Mysore Thorn or Bandicoot Berry, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to India and is widely grown in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. The plant is a small to medium-sized tree that can grow up to 10 meters in height. It has a dense, thorny canopy and produces bright yellow flowers that bloom in clusters. The fruit of the plant is a small, round berry that turns red when ripe.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Caesalpinia |
Appearance
The Caesalpinia Decapetala plant has a dense, thorny canopy that provides excellent shade. The leaves of the plant are compound and can grow up to 15 cm long. They are arranged in a pinnate pattern and are dark green in color. The flowers of the plant are bright yellow and bloom in clusters that can be up to 20 cm long. The fruit of the plant is a small, round berry that turns red when ripe. The bark of the plant is greyish-brown in color and has a rough texture.
Care Guide
To care for Caesalpinia Decapetala, you should provide it with regular watering, fertilization, and sunlight. The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients. It also thrives in full sunlight, so make sure that it receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11 and can tolerate temperatures as low as 25°F (-4°C).
Water
Water the plant regularly during the growing season, making sure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering during the winter months.
Fertilization
Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 months during the growing season.
Soil
The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Make sure that the soil is not waterlogged.
Sunlight
The plant thrives in full sunlight and should receive at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
Hardiness Zones
The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Caesalpinia Decapetala is prone to a few pests and diseases, including:
Pests
– Mealybugs- Scale insects- Spider mites
Diseases
– Leaf spot- Root rot
Habitat
Caesalpinia Decapetala is native to India and is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. The plant thrives in well-draining soil and full sunlight.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Caesalpinia Decapetala a drought-tolerant plant?
A: While the plant can tolerate some drought, it prefers regular watering.
Q: Can Caesalpinia Decapetala be grown in a container?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in a container, but make sure that the container has good drainage.
Q: How often should Caesalpinia Decapetala be fertilized?
A: The plant should be fertilized every 2-3 months during the growing season.
Q: Does Caesalpinia Decapetala attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the bright yellow flowers of the plant attract bees and butterflies.
Related Plants
– Caesalpinia bonduc- Caesalpinia pulcherrima- Caesalpinia sappan- Caesalpinia tinctoria
References
– “Caesalpinia decapetala.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Available at: http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b622. Accessed 13 May 2021.- “Caesalpinia decapetala.” Plants of the World Online. Available at: http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:497599-1. Accessed 13 May 2021.- “Caesalpinia decapetala (Roth) Alston.” India Biodiversity Portal. Available at: https://indiabiodiversity.org/species/show/31234. Accessed 13 May 2021.
