Dillenia Suffruticosa

Description

Dillenia Suffruticosa, also known as Simpoh Air or Hutan Simpoh, is a flowering plant species native to Southeast Asia. It belongs to the family Dilleniaceae and is commonly found in lowland forests and swamps. The plant is known for its unique and fragrant flowers that bloom throughout the year, attracting various pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Its fruits are edible and are often used in traditional medicine for their medicinal properties.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

The Dillenia Suffruticosa plant can grow up to 4 meters in height with a spread of up to 3 meters. It has a shrubby appearance with a dense and bushy growth habit. The leaves are simple, alternate, and oblong, measuring up to 30 cm in length and 15 cm in width. The flowers are large and showy, measuring up to 20 cm in diameter, with five petals that are creamy white or yellowish in color. The fruit is a rounded or oblong capsule, measuring up to 10 cm in diameter, with a hard and woody exterior and a pulpy interior containing numerous seeds.

Care Guide

Dillenia Suffruticosa is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:

• Water: The plant prefers moist soil, so water it regularly, especially during the dry season. Avoid overwatering as this can cause root rot.
• Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to promote healthy growth and flowering.
• Soil: The plant prefers well-drained and nutrient-rich soil. You can add organic matter such as compost or manure to improve soil fertility.
• Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full sun exposure. Avoid exposing the plant to direct sunlight as this can damage the leaves and flowers.
• Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 10 to 11.

Common Pests & Diseases

Dillenia Suffruticosa is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, here are some common issues that you may encounter:

• Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes brown spots on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide.
• Aphids: These small insects feed on the sap of the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. Spray the plant with insecticidal soap to control aphids.
• Mealybugs: These insects feed on the sap of the plant, causing yellowing and wilting of the leaves. Remove them manually or spray the plant with insecticidal soap.

Habitat

Dillenia Suffruticosa is commonly found in lowland forests and swamps in Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. It prefers moist and well-drained soil and partial shade to full sun exposure.

Question and Answer

Q: Can Dillenia Suffruticosa be grown indoors?

A: While it is possible to grow Dillenia Suffruticosa indoors, it prefers partial shade to full sun exposure and may not thrive in low-light conditions.

Q: How often should I fertilize Dillenia Suffruticosa?

A: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.

Q: Can Dillenia Suffruticosa tolerate drought?

A: While the plant prefers moist soil, it can tolerate mild drought. However, prolonged drought can cause leaf drop and stunted growth.

Q: Can I propagate Dillenia Suffruticosa from cuttings?

A: Yes, you can propagate the plant from semi-hardwood cuttings taken during the growing season.

Related Plants

• Dillenia Indica
• Dillenia Philippinensis
• Dillenia Reticulata
• Dillenia Suffruticosa var. glabra

References

• Ng, F. S. P., & Ng, K. K. S. (2014). Dillenia suffruticosa. In: Sohmer, S. H., & Davis, S. D. (Eds.). World Checklist of Magnoliaceae. The Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
• Sim, C. H., & Tan, H. T. W. (2011). Plants of Singapore: a guide to the flora of the Singapore Botanic Gardens. National Parks Board, Singapore.
• Tan, Y. H., & Chan, H. T. (2010). Trees of Singapore and Malaysia. Sun Tree Publishing, Singapore.