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Description
Conocarpus Erectus, commonly known as the Buttonwood Tree, is an evergreen shrub or small tree that belongs to the Combretaceae family. It is native to the coastal regions of Florida, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The Buttonwood Tree is characterized by its dense foliage, which can be either light green or silvery-gray in color. Its flowers are small and inconspicuous, while its fruit is a woody capsule that contains a single seed.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Myrtales |
| Family | Combretaceae |
| Genus | Conocarpus |
Appearance
The Buttonwood Tree can grow up to 50 feet tall but is often kept shorter for landscaping purposes. Its leaves are oval-shaped and can be up to 4 inches long. They are arranged alternately on the stem and have a leathery texture. The tree’s bark is smooth and gray, but it can become rough and fissured with age. The Buttonwood Tree produces small, greenish-white flowers in the spring, which are followed by small, woody capsules that contain a single seed.
Care Guide
To care for a Buttonwood Tree, it is important to provide it with the right amount of water, fertilizer, soil, sunlight, and protection from frost.Water: The Buttonwood Tree is drought-tolerant, but it still needs regular watering. It should be watered deeply once a week during the growing season and less frequently during the winter months.Fertilization: The tree should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and fall. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to salt buildup in the soil.Soil: The Buttonwood Tree can grow in a variety of soils, but it prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH.Sunlight: The tree needs full sun to thrive. Plant it in a location that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day.Hardiness Zones: The Buttonwood Tree is hardy in USDA zones 10-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Buttonwood Tree is relatively pest-free, but it can be susceptible to mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites. It is also vulnerable to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and leaf spot.
Habitat
The Buttonwood Tree is native to coastal regions and can be found growing in sandy soils near beaches and in salt marshes. It can also be grown as a landscaping plant in warmer regions.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Buttonwood Tree be grown in a container?
A: Yes, the Buttonwood Tree can be grown in a container, but it will need regular watering and fertilization.
Q: Is the Buttonwood Tree salt-tolerant?
A: Yes, the Buttonwood Tree is salt-tolerant and can be grown near the coast.
Q: How often should I prune my Buttonwood Tree?
A: The Buttonwood Tree should be pruned in the late winter or early spring to remove any dead or diseased branches. It can also be pruned to maintain its shape and size.
Q: Does the Buttonwood Tree attract wildlife?
A: The Buttonwood Tree can attract birds and butterflies with its small, inconspicuous flowers and woody capsules.
Related Plants
Here are a few related plants to the Buttonwood Tree:
- Terminalia Catappa
- Combretum Indicum
- Laguncularia Racemosa
- Avicennia Germinans
References
Here are some references used in creating this article:
- “Conocarpus Erectus.” Floridata. Accessed June 20, 2021. https://floridata.com/plant/269.
- “Buttonwood Tree.” The Spruce. Accessed June 20, 2021. https://www.thespruce.com/buttonwood-tree-3269306.
- “Buttonwood Tree.” University of Florida IFAS Extension. Accessed June 20, 2021. https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/leon/home-lawns-and-landscapes/trees-and-shrubs/buttonwood-tree/.
