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Description
Clethra Arborea, also known as the Lily of the Valley tree, is a species of tree that is native to Madeira and the Canary Islands. It belongs to the family Clethraceae and can grow up to 15 meters tall. The tree is known for its beautiful and fragrant flowers that bloom in the summer months. The flowers are white and shaped like small bells, and they grow in clusters at the end of the branches. The tree also has dark green leaves that are oval-shaped and pointed at the tip.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Clethraceae |
| Genus | Clethra |
Appearance
Clethra Arborea is a tall and slender tree that can grow up to 15 meters tall. The tree has a smooth and grayish-brown bark that is often covered in lichens. The leaves are dark green and oval-shaped with pointed tips, and they are around 7-12 centimeters long. The flowers are small and white, shaped like bells, and grow in clusters at the end of the branches. They bloom in the summer months and have a sweet fragrance that is often compared to the scent of Lily of the Valley flowers.
Care Guide
Clethra Arborea is a relatively easy tree to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for this beautiful tree:Water: The tree prefers moist soil, so make sure to water it regularly, especially during dry spells.Fertilization: Fertilize the tree once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.Soil: The tree prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.Sunlight: The tree prefers partial shade to full sun.Hardiness Zones: Clethra Arborea is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests and Diseases
Clethra Arborea is generally a healthy tree, but it can be susceptible to a few pests and diseases. Here are some common ones to watch out for:Aphids: These small insects suck the sap from the leaves and can cause them to curl and turn yellow. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap.Scale: These small insects attach themselves to the leaves and suck the sap from them. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap.Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease causes a white powdery coating on the leaves. It can be controlled with fungicides.
Habitat
Clethra Arborea is native to Madeira and the Canary Islands, where it grows in the natural forests and woodlands. It prefers moist and well-draining soil and partial shade to full sun.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Clethra Arborea be grown in containers?
A: Yes, it can be grown in containers, but it will require regular watering and fertilization.Q: Does Clethra Arborea attract bees and butterflies?
A: Yes, the tree’s fragrant flowers attract bees and butterflies.Q: Is Clethra Arborea a fast-growing tree?
A: No, it is a slow-growing tree that can take several years to reach its full height.Q: Can Clethra Arborea tolerate drought?
A: No, it prefers moist soil and cannot tolerate long periods of drought.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Clethra Arborea:
- Clethra Alnifolia (Sweet Pepperbush)
- Clethra Barbinervis (Japanese Clethra)
- Clethra Delavayi (Delavay’s Clethra)
- Clethra Fargesii (Farges’ Clethra)
References
- “Clethra Arborea.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 6 July 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clethra_arborea.
- “Lily of the Valley Tree.” Flowering Trees, 2021, www.flowering-trees.com/lily-of-the-valley-tree.html.
- “Clethra.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science, n.d., powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:38644-1.
