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Description
Crossopteryx is a genus of trees in the family Fabaceae. It is native to Africa, particularly in the tropical regions of West and Central Africa. The tree is also known as African Bird Cherry or African Walnut. It is an evergreen tree that grows up to 20 meters tall with a dense crown. Crossopteryx has a single stem with smooth bark that is light grey in color. The tree produces fragrant, showy flowers that are pink, red, or white in color. The fruit of the tree is a pod that is 15-20 cm long and contains up to 10 seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Crossopteryx |
Appearance
Crossopteryx is a tall tree with a dense crown. It has smooth bark that is light grey in color. The leaves are pinnate and can grow up to 20 cm long. The flowers of the tree are showy and fragrant. They are pink, red, or white in color and can grow up to 5 cm in diameter. The fruit of the tree is a pod that is 15-20 cm long and contains up to 10 seeds.
Care Guide
Crossopteryx is a low-maintenance tree that is easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for your Crossopteryx tree:- Water: Crossopteryx prefers well-drained soil that is moist but not waterlogged. Water the tree regularly during the growing season, but reduce watering during the winter months.- Fertilization: Fertilize the tree once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: Crossopteryx prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: Crossopteryx prefers full sun to partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: Crossopteryx is hardy in USDA Zones 10-12.
Common Pests & Diseases
Crossopteryx is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be affected by leaf spot and root rot if the soil is too wet. Spider mites and scale insects can also infest the tree.
Habitat
Crossopteryx is native to the tropical regions of West and Central Africa. It grows in a variety of habitats, including savannas, forests, and riverbanks.
Question and Answer
Q: How tall does Crossopteryx grow?
A: Crossopteryx can grow up to 20 meters tall.
Q: What is the fruit of Crossopteryx?
A: The fruit of Crossopteryx is a pod that is 15-20 cm long and contains up to 10 seeds.
Q: Is Crossopteryx a low-maintenance tree?
A: Yes, Crossopteryx is a low-maintenance tree that is easy to care for.
Q: Where is Crossopteryx native to?
A: Crossopteryx is native to the tropical regions of West and Central Africa.
Related Plants
– Albizia- Bauhinia- Cassia- Delonix- Erythrina
References
– “Crossopteryx.” PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute, www.plantzafrica.com/plantcd/crossopteryx.htm.- “Crossopteryx.” The Plant List, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and Missouri Botanical Garden, www.theplantlist.org/1.1/browse/A/Leguminosae/Crossopteryx/.
