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Description
Dombeya Acutangula, commonly known as the Pink Ball Tree or Tropical Hydrangea, is a flowering plant native to Madagascar. It belongs to the family Malvaceae, which includes other well-known plants like hibiscus and cotton. The tree can grow up to 30 feet tall and boasts large clusters of pink flowers that bloom in the winter months.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain| Eukarya||————–|———–|| Kingdom| Plantae|| Phylum| Magnoliophyta || Class| Magnoliopsida || Order| Malvales || Family| Malvaceae || Genus| Dombeya|| Species| Acutangula |
Appearance
Dombeya Acutangula is a large shrub or small tree with a rounded crown and a single trunk. The leaves are heart-shaped and can grow up to 6 inches long. The flowers are the standout feature of this plant, forming large ball-like clusters that can be up to 8 inches in diameter. Each cluster contains dozens of pink or mauve flowers that bloom in the winter months. The flowers have a sweet, musky fragrance that attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Care Guide
Dombeya Acutangula is a relatively low-maintenance plant, but it does require some care to thrive. Here are some tips for keeping your Pink Ball Tree healthy:- Water: Dombeya Acutangula prefers moist but well-drained soil. Water regularly during the growing season, but be careful not to overwater as this can lead to root rot.- Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring and again in the fall to promote healthy growth and abundant flowering.- Soil: This plant prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. If your soil is too alkaline, you can amend it with sulfur or aluminum sulfate.- Sunlight: Dombeya Acutangula prefers full sun to partial shade. It will tolerate some shade, but too much shade can result in poor flowering.- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11, but it can be grown in colder climates as a container plant that is brought indoors during the winter.
Common Pests & Diseases
Dombeya Acutangula is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can occasionally be affected by spider mites, mealybugs, or scale insects. These can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant can also be susceptible to root rot if overwatered, and leaf spot or powdery mildew if the foliage stays damp for too long.
Habitat
Dombeya Acutangula is native to Madagascar, where it grows in tropical forests and along riverbanks. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in other parts of the world, including South Africa, Australia, and the United States.
Q&A
Q: How often should I water my Dombeya Acutangula?
A: Water your plant regularly during the growing season, but be careful not to overwater as this can lead to root rot. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Q: When is the best time to fertilize my Dombeya Acutangula?
A: Apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring and again in the fall to promote healthy growth and abundant flowering.
Q: Can Dombeya Acutangula be grown in containers?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown in containers and brought indoors during the winter in colder climates.
Q: Does Dombeya Acutangula attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the sweet, musky fragrance of the flowers attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Related Plants
– Dombeya Burgundy- Dombeya Wallichii- Dombeya X cayeuxii- Dombeya X Seminole
References
– “Dombeya Acutangula.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed June 1, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c217.- “Dombeya Acutangula.” PlantZAfrica. Accessed June 1, 2021. https://pza.sanbi.org/dombeya-acutangula.- “Tropical Hydrangea.” University of Florida IFAS Extension. Accessed June 1, 2021. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FP316.
