Contents
Description
Combretum Indicum, commonly known as Chinese honeysuckle or Rangoon creeper, is a fast-growing, woody vine that belongs to the Combretaceae family. It is native to Southeast Asia and is widely grown as an ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. The plant produces small, fragrant flowers that change color as they mature, starting as white, then pink, and finally turning deep red.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Myrtales |
| Family | Combretaceae |
| Genus | Combretum |
Appearance
Combretum Indicum is a vine that can grow up to 8 meters in height. The leaves are simple, opposite, and ovate in shape, with a length of 6-12 cm and a width of 4-8 cm. The plant produces small, fragrant flowers that change color as they mature, starting as white, then pink, and finally turning deep red. The flowers are tubular in shape, with a length of 2.5-3.5 cm, and are arranged in dense clusters at the end of the branches. The fruit is a capsule that is 2-3 cm long and contains numerous small, winged seeds.
Care Guide
Combretum Indicum is relatively easy to care for and can grow in a variety of soil types. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:
- Water: Water the plant regularly, but avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot.
- Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
- Soil: The plant can grow in a variety of soil types, but prefers well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Combretum Indicum can grow in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Combretum Indicum is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but can occasionally be affected by the following:
- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the plant, causing leaves to yellow and curl.
- Mealybugs: These small, white insects can infest the plant and cause leaves to turn yellow and fall off.
- Root Rot: Overwatering can cause root rot, which can lead to the plant wilting and dying.
Habitat
Combretum Indicum is native to Southeast Asia, where it grows in open forests and along riverbanks. It is widely grown as an ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical regions around the world, including Africa, Australia, the Caribbean, and South America.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Combretum Indicum be grown indoors?
A: Yes, it can be grown indoors in a bright, sunny location.
Q: How often should Combretum Indicum be fertilized?
A: Apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Q: Can Combretum Indicum tolerate frost?
A: No, it cannot tolerate frost and should be protected from freezing temperatures.
Q: How often should Combretum Indicum be watered?
A: Water the plant regularly, but avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot.
Related Plants
- Combretum bracteosum
- Combretum constrictum
- Combretum fruticosum
- Combretum micranthum
- Combretum molle
References
- “Combretum indicum.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 20 July 2021. <http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277101&isprofile=0&basic=Combretum%20indicum>.
- “Combretum indicum.” Plants of the World Online. Accessed 20 July 2021. <http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:582166-1>.
- “Rangoon creeper (Combretum indicum).” University of Florida IFAS Extension. Accessed 20 July 2021. <https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/FP/FP33200.pdf>.
