Contents
Description
Cavanillesia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Malvaceae. It comprises only one species, Cavanillesia platanifolia, known as the “Cavanillesia” or “Amazon Tree Poppy”. It is native to the Amazon Basin in South America, specifically in Brazil, Peru, and Colombia. Its scientific name honours the Spanish botanist Antonio José Cavanilles.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Genus | Cavanillesia |
| Species | Cavanillesia platanifolia |
Appearance
The Cavanillesia tree can grow up to 30 meters (98 ft) tall and has a trunk diameter of up to 1 meter (3.3 ft). It has large, lobed leaves that can be up to 70 cm (28 in) long and 60 cm (24 in) wide. The flowers are large, up to 15 cm (6 in) in diameter, and have a bright yellow color. The fruit is a woody capsule that contains numerous seeds.
Care Guide
Water: Cavanillesia requires regular watering, especially during its growing season. It prefers moist but well-draining soil.Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer every three months during the growing season.Soil: Cavanillesia prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.Sunlight: The plant prefers full to partial sunlight.Hardiness Zones: Cavanillesia is hardy in USDA zones 10a to 11b.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Cavanillesia tree is susceptible to pests such as mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. It is also susceptible to diseases such as root rot and leaf spot. Proper care and maintenance can help prevent these problems.
Habitat
Cavanillesia is native to the Amazon Basin in South America, specifically in Brazil, Peru, and Colombia. It grows in tropical rainforests at elevations up to 800 meters (2,600 ft) above sea level.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Cavanillesia be grown indoors?
A: Cavanillesia can be grown indoors in a large container, but it requires a lot of space and regular pruning to prevent it from outgrowing its container.
Q: What is the best time to plant Cavanillesia?
A: The best time to plant Cavanillesia is in the spring, after the last frost date in your area.
Q: How often should I prune my Cavanillesia?
A: Prune your Cavanillesia tree once a year in the late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged branches and to shape the tree.
Q: How long does it take for Cavanillesia to flower?
A: Cavanillesia typically takes three to four years to flower from seed.
Related Plants
- Abutilon
- Hibiscus
- Mallow
- Okra
- Cotton
References
- “Cavanillesia platanifolia”. Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN). Agricultural Research Service (ARS), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
- Barbosa, B. L. R., et al. (2018). “Antiproliferative activity of Cavanillesia platanifolia and its major lignan in human cancer cells.” Journal of natural medicines, 72(1), 103-112.
- da Silva, F. M., et al. (2014). “Antioxidant activity and phenolic composition of Cavanillesia platanifolia fruit.” Food research international, 65, 280-286.
