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Description
Diospyros Buxifolia, commonly known as Coromandel Ebony, is a slow-growing evergreen tree that belongs to the Ebenaceae family. It is native to India and Sri Lanka and can grow up to 25 meters tall. Its dense foliage and dark brown bark make it an attractive addition to any garden or landscape. The tree produces small, white flowers that bloom in spring and early summer, followed by small, round, and black fruit that are edible.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Ebenaceae |
| Genus | Diospyros |
Appearance
The Coromandel Ebony has glossy, dark green leaves that are oblong in shape and about 5-10 cm long. The tree produces small, white flowers that bloom in spring and early summer, followed by small, round, and black fruit that are edible. The bark of the tree is dark brown and rough to the touch. The tree can grow up to 25 meters tall and has a dense, spreading canopy.
Care Guide
Water: The Coromandel Ebony prefers well-draining soil and should be watered regularly during the growing season. Make sure the soil is moist, but not waterlogged.
Fertilization: Fertilize the tree with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Soil: The Coromandel Ebony prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5.
Sunlight: The tree prefers full sun, but can tolerate partial shade.
Hardiness Zones: The Coromandel Ebony is hardy in USDA zones 10-12.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Coromandel Ebony is generally a disease-resistant plant, but it can be susceptible to scale insects and mites. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. The tree is also susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet.
Habitat
The Coromandel Ebony is native to India and Sri Lanka, where it grows in tropical and subtropical climates. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate drought conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the fruit of the Coromandel Ebony be eaten?
A: Yes, the small, round, and black fruit of the Coromandel Ebony is edible.
Q: How tall can the Coromandel Ebony grow?
A: The Coromandel Ebony can grow up to 25 meters tall.
Q: What type of soil does the Coromandel Ebony prefer?
A: The Coromandel Ebony prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Q: What are the hardiness zones for the Coromandel Ebony?
A: The Coromandel Ebony is hardy in USDA zones 10-12.
Related Plants
- Diospyros celebica
- Diospyros ebenum
- Diospyros ferrea
- Diospyros malabarica
- Diospyros montana
References
- “Diospyros buxifolia.” PlantZAfrica. https://www.plantzafrica.com/plantcd/diospybux.htm
- “Diospyros buxifolia.” World Agroforestry. https://www.worldagroforestry.org/treedb2/speciesprofile.php?Spid=2248
- “Diospyros buxifolia.” Plants of the World Online. http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:322275-2
