Callerya

Description

Callerya is a genus of flowering plants that belong to the family Fabaceae. The genus includes about 60 species of trees and shrubs that are native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, and Australia. The plants are known for their beautiful flowers and foliage and are often grown as ornamental plants in gardens and parks. The genus is named after the British botanist Hugh Clarke Callery.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Callerya plants are known for their beautiful flowers and foliage. The leaves are pinnate and can be up to 30 cm long. The flowers are pea-like and come in various colors, including pink, red, purple, and white. The fruits are pods that contain seeds. The plants can grow up to 15 meters tall, depending on the species.

Care Guide

Callerya plants are relatively easy to care for and can thrive in various conditions. Here are some tips for caring for these plants:

Water

Callerya plants prefer well-draining soil and can tolerate moderate drought. Water the plants deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering in the winter.

Fertilization

Apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring and summer to promote growth and flowering.

Soil

Callerya plants prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Avoid heavy clay soils that can retain too much water and cause root rot.

Sunlight

Callerya plants prefer full sun to partial shade. They can tolerate some shade but may not flower as much in low light conditions.

Hardiness Zones

Callerya plants can grow in USDA hardiness zones 8 to 11.

Common Pests & Diseases

Callerya plants are relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, they can be affected by the following:

Pests

• Aphids
• Caterpillars
• Spider mites

Diseases

• Root rot
• Leaf spot
• Powdery mildew

Habitat

Callerya plants are native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, and Australia. They can be found in various habitats, including rainforests, savannas, and coastal areas. Some species are used for timber and medicinal purposes.

Question and Answer

Here are some common questions and answers about Callerya:

Q: Can Callerya plants grow in containers?

A: Yes, some species of Callerya can grow in containers as long as they have enough room to grow and are provided with adequate care.

Q: Do Callerya plants attract pollinators?

A: Yes, Callerya plants attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators with their beautiful flowers.

Q: Can Callerya plants tolerate salt spray?

A: Yes, some species of Callerya can tolerate salt spray and are suitable for coastal gardens.

Q: How often should I prune my Callerya plant?

A: Prune your Callerya plant in the late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged branches and promote healthy growth. You can also prune to shape the plant and control its size.

Related Plants

Here are some related plants to Callerya:

• Sophora
• Cassia
• Acacia
• Albizia

References

• Callerya. (n.d.). In Flora of China. Missouri Botanical Garden Press. Retrieved June 21, 2021, from http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=103467
• Callerya. (n.d.). In PlantZAfrica. South African National Biodiversity Institute. Retrieved June 21, 2021, from https://pza.sanbi.org/callerya
• Callerya. (n.d.). In World Checklist of Selected Plant Families. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved June 21, 2021, from http://wcsp.science.kew.org/namedetail.do?name_id=317430