Davilla

Description

Davilla, commonly known as “Sandbox Tree,” is a tropical plant native to Central and South America. It belongs to the family Dilleniaceae and is a small to medium-sized tree that can grow up to 10 meters tall. The plant has a fascinating appearance, and its fruit is known for its explosive nature that can shoot out seeds up to 100 meters away.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

The Davilla plant has a unique appearance, with its bark covered in large, sharp spines. The leaves are dark green and shiny, and the flowers are small, white, and star-shaped. The fruit is round and green, turning red when mature, and is composed of several capsules that contain seeds. When the fruit is ripe, it explodes, shooting the seeds out in a loud noise.

Care Guide

To grow a Davilla plant, you need to provide it with the right conditions. Here are some care tips:

Water

Davilla plants prefer moist soil but can tolerate some drought. Water your plant regularly, but do not overwater it, as this can cause root rot.

Fertilization

Feed your Davilla plant with a balanced fertilizer every two to three months during the growing season to promote healthy growth.

Soil

The Davilla plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.

Sunlight

Davilla plants prefer partial shade to full sun.

Hardiness Zones

Davilla plants thrive in USDA hardiness zones 10-12.

Common Pests & Diseases

Davilla plants are prone to pests and diseases, including mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant is also susceptible to fungal diseases, such as root rot and leaf spot. Adequate drainage and proper care can prevent these diseases.

Habitat

Davilla plants are native to Central and South America, where they grow in tropical and subtropical regions. They prefer moist, well-drained soil and partial shade to full sun. The plant is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.

Question and Answer

Q: Can Davilla plants grow indoors?

A: Yes, Davilla plants can grow indoors if provided with adequate sunlight and proper care.

Q: How often should I water my Davilla plant?

A: Water your Davilla plant regularly, but do not overwater it, as this can cause root rot.

Q: How tall can a Davilla plant grow?

A: Davilla plants can grow up to 10 meters tall in the wild, but they can be pruned to maintain a smaller size.

Q: What are the benefits of growing Davilla plants?

A: Davilla plants are known for their unique appearance and explosive fruit. They are also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.

Related Plants

• Dillenia indica
• Tetracera sarmentosa
• Curatella americana
• Dillenia suffruticosa

References

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3941865/
• https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=DAGE
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/davilla
• https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=506422#null