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Description
Calophyllum Membranaceum, commonly known as Bintangor, is an evergreen tree that belongs to the Clusiaceae family. It is native to Southeast Asia and can grow up to 35 meters tall. The tree produces a milky latex, and its bark is thick and brownish-gray. It has simple, glossy, dark green leaves that grow up to 10 cm long and 5 cm wide. The tree bears small, fragrant flowers that are white or yellowish in color and produce round, green fruit that turns yellow when ripe.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota || Kingdom | Plantae || Phylum | Tracheophyta || Class | Magnoliopsida || Order | Malpighiales || Family | Clusiaceae || Genus | Calophyllum || Species | Membranaceum |
Appearance
Calophyllum Membranaceum is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 35 meters tall. It has a straight trunk with a diameter of up to 1 meter and a dense, rounded crown. The bark is thick and brownish-gray, with deep fissures and ridges. The leaves are simple, glossy, dark green, and grow up to 10 cm long and 5 cm wide. The tree bears small, fragrant flowers that are white or yellowish in color and produce round, green fruit that turns yellow when ripe. The fruit contains a single seed, surrounded by a thin layer of edible pulp.
Care Guide
Calophyllum Membranaceum is a hardy tree that requires minimal care. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:- Water: The tree prefers moist, well-drained soil. Water it regularly, especially during the growing season.- Fertilization: Feed the tree with a balanced fertilizer once a year, during the spring or early summer.- Soil: The tree can grow in a variety of soils, but prefers loamy, well-drained soil. It can tolerate mild acidity or alkalinity.- Sunlight: Calophyllum Membranaceum prefers full sun, but can also tolerate partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: The tree can grow in USDA hardiness zones 10 to 12.
Common Pests & Diseases
Calophyllum Membranaceum is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as leaf spot, stem canker, and root rot. Insects such as scale insects, mealybugs, and spider mites can also infest the tree. To prevent these problems, keep the tree healthy by providing proper care and maintenance. If the tree is infested, use insecticides or fungicides as needed.
Habitat
Calophyllum Membranaceum is native to Southeast Asia and can be found in countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. It grows in lowland forests, riverbanks, and coastal areas, and can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions. The tree is also cultivated as an ornamental plant in many tropical regions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Calophyllum Membranaceum a medicinal plant?
A: Yes, the bark, leaves, and seeds of the tree are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as skin diseases, inflammation, and pain.
Q: Can Calophyllum Membranaceum be grown as a bonsai?
A: Yes, the tree can be grown as a bonsai. Its small leaves and attractive bark make it a popular choice among bonsai enthusiasts.
Q: Is Calophyllum Membranaceum an endangered species?
A: No, the tree is not considered an endangered species. However, its habitat is threatened by deforestation and land conversion.
Q: Can Calophyllum Membranaceum be grown from seeds?
A: Yes, the tree can be grown from seeds. However, it may take several years for the tree to reach maturity and produce fruit.
Related Plants
Here are some plants that are related to Calophyllum Membranaceum:- Calophyllum Inophyllum- Clusia Rosea- Garcinia Mangostana- Hypericum Perforatum- Tamanu Oil
References
– “Calophyllum Membranaceum.” World Agroforestry Centre. https://www.worldagroforestry.org/treedb2/speciesprofile.php?Spid=1946- “Calophyllum Membranaceum.” Useful Tropical Plants. http://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Calophyllum+membranaceum- “Calophyllum Membranaceum (Bintangor).” Forest Research Institute Malaysia. https://www.frim.gov.my/v1/bintangor/- “Calophyllum Membranaceum.” Plants of the World Online. http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:319870-1
