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Description
Docynia Delavayi, commonly known as Delavay’s Docynia or Chinese Micromelum, is a species of flowering plant in the family Rosaceae. It is native to China, specifically in the Yunnan province, where it grows in the forests and mountain valleys at an altitude of up to 2500 meters. The plant was named after Pere Jean Marie Delavay, a French missionary and botanist who discovered it in the late 1800s.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Docynia |
| Species | Delavayi |
Appearance
Docynia Delavayi is a small deciduous tree or shrub that can grow up to 7 meters in height. The leaves are alternate, simple, and ovate, with a length of 5-10 cm and a width of 3-7 cm. The upper surface of the leaves is dark green, while the lower surface is light green. The flowers are small, white or pink, and appear in clusters in early summer. The fruit is a small, round, and orange-red drupe, with a diameter of 1-1.5 cm.
Care Guide
Water: Docynia Delavayi prefers moist but well-drained soil. Water the plant regularly, especially during the growing season, but avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer in the spring before new growth begins.Soil: The ideal soil for Docynia Delavayi is a well-drained, slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.5-6.5.Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full sun.Hardiness Zones: Docynia Delavayi is hardy in USDA zones 6-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Docynia Delavayi is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to aphids and spider mites. To control these pests, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Docynia Delavayi is native to the forests and mountain valleys of Yunnan province in China. It grows at an altitude of up to 2500 meters and prefers moist, well-drained soil.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Docynia Delavayi a good plant for landscaping?A: Yes, Docynia Delavayi is a great plant for landscaping, especially in areas with partial shade.Q: Does Docynia Delavayi require pruning?A: Docynia Delavayi does not require extensive pruning but can be shaped or pruned lightly to maintain its shape.Q: How often should I fertilize Docynia Delavayi?A: Fertilize the plant once a year in the spring before new growth begins.Q: Can Docynia Delavayi tolerate drought?A: No, Docynia Delavayi prefers moist soil and cannot tolerate drought.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants in the Rosaceae family:
- Malus domestica (Apple)
- Prunus persica (Peach)
- Rubus idaeus (Raspberry)
- Rosa spp. (Rose)
References
- Flora of China: Docynia Delavayi
- RHS Gardening: Delavay’s Docynia
- Missouri Botanical Garden: Docynia Delavayi
