Cratoxylum

Description

Cratoxylum is a genus of flowering plants that belong to the family Clusiaceae. It contains about 120 species of trees and shrubs that are native to tropical Africa, Asia, and Australia. The genus name “Cratoxylum” is derived from the Greek words “kratos” meaning strength and “xylon” meaning wood, referring to the hardness of the wood of some species. Some of the common names of Cratoxylum include “kingwood”, “yellow cow wood”, and “purpleheart”.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Cratoxylum plants can be either evergreen or deciduous, depending on the species. They usually have a straight trunk and a rounded crown. The leaves are simple, alternate, and have a glossy texture. The flowers are usually small, white or pink, and are borne in clusters. The fruits are generally capsules or berries that contain many small seeds. The wood of some species is highly valued for its hardness and durability, and is used for making furniture, flooring, and musical instruments.

Care Guide

Cratoxylum plants are generally easy to care for and require moderate attention. Here are some tips to help you care for your Cratoxylum:

• Water: Water your Cratoxylum regularly, but make sure the soil is well-drained to prevent root rot. Don’t let the soil dry out completely.
• Fertilization: Fertilize your Cratoxylum every three months during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
• Soil: Plant your Cratoxylum in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. They prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5.
• Sunlight: Cratoxylum plants prefer partial shade to full sun. Make sure they get at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
• Hardiness Zones: Cratoxylum plants are hardy in USDA zones 10 to 12.

Common Pests & Diseases

Cratoxylum plants are generally resistant to pests and diseases, but they may be susceptible to some common problems. Here are some of the most common pests and diseases that affect Cratoxylum:

• Scale insects: These pests can infest the leaves and stems of Cratoxylum, causing the plant to lose vigor and turn yellow. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control them.
• Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause brown spots on the leaves of Cratoxylum, leading to defoliation. Remove infected leaves and use a fungicide to prevent further spread.
• Root rot: Overwatering can lead to root rot in Cratoxylum, which can be fatal. Make sure the soil is well-drained and don’t let the plant sit in standing water.

Habitat

Cratoxylum plants are native to tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Australia. They are typically found in rainforests, savannas, and other forested areas. Some species are also cultivated as ornamental plants in gardens and parks.

Question and Answer

Q: How tall can Cratoxylum trees grow?

A: Cratoxylum trees can grow up to 30 meters tall, depending on the species.

Q: What is the wood of some Cratoxylum species used for?

A: The wood of some Cratoxylum species is highly valued for its hardness and durability, and is used for making furniture, flooring, and musical instruments.

Q: What is the preferred pH range for Cratoxylum soil?

A: Cratoxylum plants prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5.

Q: Are Cratoxylum plants resistant to pests and diseases?

A: Cratoxylum plants are generally resistant to pests and diseases, but they may be susceptible to some common problems such as scale insects, leaf spot, and root rot.

Related Plants

• Clusia
• Garcinia
• Kielmeyera
• Mammea
• Platonia

References

• Cratoxylum. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved October 29, 2021, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cratoxylum
• Cratoxylum. (n.d.). In Plants of the World Online. Retrieved October 29, 2021, from http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:32067-1
• Cratoxylum. (n.d.). In Flora of China. Retrieved October 29, 2021, from http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=107694