Colubrina Texensis

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

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/.