Cratoxylum Cochinchinense

Description

Cratoxylum Cochinchinense, also known as the Vietnamese golden tree, is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the Hypericaceae family. It is a small to medium-sized tree that can grow up to 25 meters in height. The plant is native to Southeast Asia and can be found in countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand. The leaves of this plant are simple, glossy, and dark green in color, and the flowers are yellow with a sweet fragrance. The fruit is a small capsule that contains numerous seeds.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

The Cratoxylum Cochinchinense is a beautiful tree with simple, glossy leaves that are dark green in color. The leaves are oblong to elliptical in shape and are about 10-20 cm long. The flowers are yellow and have a sweet fragrance. They are about 2 cm in diameter and bloom in clusters at the end of the branches. The fruit is a small capsule that contains numerous seeds. The bark of the tree is grayish-brown in color and is smooth when young, but becomes rough and furrowed as the tree matures.

Care Guide

The Cratoxylum Cochinchinense is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips to keep your plant healthy:

Water

The plant requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. However, it is important to ensure that the soil is well-drained and not waterlogged.

Fertilization

The plant benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. This should be applied during the growing season.

Soil

The Cratoxylum Cochinchinense prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH of the soil should be slightly acidic to neutral.

Sunlight

The plant thrives in full sun to partial shade. It is important to ensure that it receives sufficient light for healthy growth.

Hardiness Zones

The plant is hardy in USDA Zones 9 to 11.

Common Pests & Diseases

The Cratoxylum Cochinchinense is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it may be susceptible to mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. The plant may also be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and anthracnose. These diseases can be treated with fungicides.

Habitat

The Cratoxylum Cochinchinense is native to Southeast Asia and can be found in countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand. It is commonly found in open forests, along riverbanks, and in other moist habitats.

Question and Answer

Q: What is the best soil for Cratoxylum Cochinchinense?

A: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH of the soil should be slightly acidic to neutral.

Q: How often should I water my Cratoxylum Cochinchinense?

A: The plant requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. However, it is important to ensure that the soil is well-drained and not waterlogged.

Q: What is the hardiness zone for Cratoxylum Cochinchinense?

A: The plant is hardy in USDA Zones 9 to 11.

Q: Is Cratoxylum Cochinchinense susceptible to pests and diseases?

A: While the plant is relatively pest and disease-resistant, it may be susceptible to mealybugs, scale insects, spider mites, powdery mildew, and anthracnose.

Related Plants

• Cratoxylum formosum
• Cratoxylum sumatranum
• Cratoxylum maingayi
• Cratoxylum arborescens

References

• “Cratoxylum cochinchinense (Lour.) Blume”, Plants of the World Online, Kew Science, accessed 2 July 2021.
• “Cratoxylum cochinchinense”, Missouri Botanical Garden, accessed 2 July 2021.
• “Cratoxylum cochinchinense”, Flora of China, accessed 2 July 2021.