Contents
Description
Careya Arborea is a deciduous plant that is native to India. It belongs to the Lecythidaceae family and is also known as the Wild Guava or Kumbhi. It is a large tree that can grow up to 25 meters in height with a trunk diameter of up to 3 meters. The plant has a straight trunk with a grayish bark and a dense, rounded crown. The leaves of the Careya Arborea are simple, alternate and elliptical in shape. The tree blooms in the months of April and May, producing small white flowers that are fragrant and attractive to pollinators. The fruit of the plant is a large, woody capsule that contains seeds that are edible and often used in traditional medicine.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Lecythidaceae |
| Genus | Careya |
Appearance
The Careya Arborea plant is a large tree that grows up to 25 meters in height, with a grayish bark and a dense, rounded crown. The leaves are simple, alternate and elliptical in shape, with a length of 8-20 cm and a width of 4-10 cm. They are dark green in color, with a shiny surface and a slightly serrated margin. The flowers of the plant are small, white and fragrant, and they bloom in the months of April and May. The fruit of the plant is a large, woody capsule that is 5-10 cm in diameter and contains edible seeds.
Care Guide
Careya Arborea is a low-maintenance plant that requires moderate care. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:
- Water: Water the plant regularly, but make sure the soil is well-drained to prevent waterlogging.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer in the growing season to promote healthy growth.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay soils.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full to partial sunlight, and can tolerate a wide range of light conditions.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 10-12.
Common Pests & Diseases
Careya Arborea is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by the following:
- Borers: The plant can be attacked by borers, which can cause damage to the trunk and branches of the tree.
- Leaf Spots: The plant can develop leaf spots, which can reduce the plant’s overall health and vigor.
- Root Rot: Overwatering or poorly-drained soil can lead to root rot, which can cause the plant to wilt and die.
Habitat
Careya Arborea is native to India, and is commonly found in the tropical and subtropical regions of the country. It prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay soils. The plant can grow in full to partial sunlight and is hardy in USDA zones 10-12.
Question and Answers
Q: Is Careya Arborea a fast-growing plant?
A: No, Careya Arborea is not a fast-growing plant. It grows at a moderate pace, and can take several years to reach its full height.
Q: Can Careya Arborea be grown in containers?
A: No, Careya Arborea is not recommended for container gardening. It is a large tree that requires ample space to grow and develop.
Q: Can the seeds of Careya Arborea be eaten?
A: Yes, the seeds of Careya Arborea are edible and are often used in traditional medicine.
Q: Is Careya Arborea a drought-tolerant plant?
A: No, Careya Arborea requires regular watering and is not considered a drought-tolerant plant.
Related Plants
- Syzygium cumini
- Terminalia arjuna
- Butea monosperma
- Mangifera indica
References
- “Careya arborea (Roxb.) Blume.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science. Accessed 10 Sep. 2021. http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:60448-1
- “Careya arborea.” Useful Tropical Plants. Accessed 10 Sep. 2021. http://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Careya+arborea
- “Wild Guava – Careya arborea.” Flowers of India. Accessed 10 Sep. 2021. https://www.flowersofindia.net/catalog/slides/Wild%20Guava.html
