Contents
Description
Combretum Malabaricum, also known as Indian Almond or Malabar Combretum, is a flowering plant species that belongs to the family Combretaceae. It is native to India and Southeast Asia but has also been introduced to other tropical regions worldwide. The plant can grow up to 30 meters tall and has a wide-spreading canopy. The leaves are simple, alternate, and ovate, measuring up to 15 cm long and 10 cm wide. The flowers are small, yellow, and clustered together in spikes up to 15 cm long. The fruit is a woody capsule containing a single seed.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Myrtales |
| Family | Combretaceae |
| Genus | Combretum |
Appearance
Combretum Malabaricum is a large, deciduous tree with a wide-spreading canopy. The bark is rough, fissured, and grey-brown in color. The leaves are simple, alternate, and ovate, measuring up to 15 cm long and 10 cm wide. They are glossy, with a dark green upper surface and a lighter green lower surface. The flowers are small, yellow, and clustered together in spikes up to 15 cm long. The fruit is a woody capsule, measuring up to 4 cm long and 3 cm wide, containing a single seed.
Care Guide
Combretum Malabaricum is a hardy plant that requires little maintenance. Here are some care tips:
- Water: Water the plant regularly, especially during the growing season. Ensure that the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogged roots.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a year with a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Amend the soil with compost or organic matter to improve soil fertility.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 10 to 12.
Common Pests & Diseases
Combretum Malabaricum is susceptible to some pests and diseases, including:
- Borers: Borers can damage the trunk and branches of the plant, causing dieback and stunted growth.
- Leaf spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes yellowing and browning of the leaves.
- Canker: Canker is a fungal disease that causes sunken lesions on the trunk and branches of the plant.
Habitat
Combretum Malabaricum is native to India and Southeast Asia but has also been introduced to other tropical regions worldwide. It grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and coastal areas. The plant prefers well-draining soil and full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the height of Combretum Malabaricum?
A: The plant can grow up to 30 meters tall.
Q: What is the color of the bark of Combretum Malabaricum?
A: The bark is rough, fissured, and grey-brown in color.
Q: What is the family of Combretum Malabaricum?
A: The plant belongs to the family Combretaceae.
Q: What is the hardiness zone of Combretum Malabaricum?
A: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 10 to 12.
Related Plants
- Combretum aculeatum
- Combretum indicum
- Combretum lanceolatum
- Combretum leprosum
- Combretum molle
References
- “Combretum Malabaricum.” World Agroforestry Centre.
- “Combretum Malabaricum.” Floriculture and Landscaping.
- “Combretum Malabaricum.” Useful Tropical Plants.
