Colubrina Texensis
Contents
Description
Colubrina Texensis, commonly known as Texas hogplum, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Rhamnaceae family. It is native to Texas and Mexico and can grow up to 20 feet tall. The shrub has an irregular shape with a spreading canopy and can grow in a wide range of soil types. The plant is known for its small, fragrant, greenish-yellow flowers that bloom in clusters in the spring and summer, followed by red or yellow fruit that is edible but sour.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rhamnaceae |
| Genus | Colubrina |
Appearance
The leaves of Colubrina Texensis are alternate, simple, and ovate in shape, with a glossy surface and serrated edges. The shrub has a smooth, gray bark and slender, zigzagging branches that are covered in thorns. The flowers are small, greenish-yellow, and fragrant, and the fruit is a drupe that is red or yellow in color and about 1 cm in diameter. The fruit contains a single seed and is edible but sour.
Care Guide
Colubrina Texensis is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. It can grow in a wide range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sand, but prefers well-draining soil. The plant should be watered regularly, especially during periods of drought, and fertilized once a year with a balanced fertilizer. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. The shrub is hardy in USDA zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Colubrina Texensis is not prone to many pests or diseases, but it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is not well-draining. The plant may also attract scale insects or spider mites, which can be treated with a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. If the shrub is infected with a fungal disease, such as powdery mildew, it can be treated with a fungicide.
Habitat
Colubrina Texensis is native to Texas and Mexico and can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, prairies, and rocky slopes. The shrub is drought-tolerant and can survive in areas with little to no rainfall. It is often used in landscaping as a hedge or specimen plant.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Colubrina Texensis a fast-growing plant?
A: No, Colubrina Texensis is a slow-growing plant that can take several years to reach its full height.
Q: Can Colubrina Texensis tolerate frost?
A: Yes, Colubrina Texensis is hardy in USDA zones 8-11 and can tolerate frost.
Q: Can the fruit of Colubrina Texensis be eaten?
A: Yes, the fruit of Colubrina Texensis is edible but sour.
Q: Does Colubrina Texensis attract wildlife?
A: Yes, Colubrina Texensis is often used as a habitat and food source for birds and small mammals.
Related Plants
- Colubrina Asiatica
- Colubrina Cubensis
- Colubrina Ferruginosa
- Colubrina Glandulosa
- Colubrina Nicholsii
References
- “Colubrina Texensis.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, University of Texas at Austin, www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=COTE.
- “Colubrina Texensis.” Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Texas A&M University, agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/browse/featured-solutions/gardening-landscaping/colubrina-texensis/.
- “Texas Hogplum (Colubrina Texensis).” Dave’s Garden, davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/125407/.
