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Description
Drypetes Littoralis, commonly known as the seaside petal, is a tropical evergreen tree that belongs to the family Putranjivaceae. It is native to the coastal regions of East Africa, Madagascar, Asia, and the Pacific Islands. The plant can grow up to 10 meters tall and has a spread of up to 6 meters. The leaves of Drypetes Littoralis are elliptical and glossy, and the flowers are small and greenish-yellow. The fruit of the plant is a drupe that turns from green to black when it ripens.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Putranjivaceae |
| Genus | Drypetes |
Appearance
Drypetes Littoralis is a beautiful plant that has an attractive appearance. The leaves of the plant are dark green, glossy, and oval-shaped, with a pointed tip. The flowers are small and greenish-yellow, with a strong, sweet fragrance. The fruit of the plant is a drupe that is small, round, and turns from green to black when it ripens. The bark of the plant is smooth and grayish-white, with a few lenticels.
Care Guide
To ensure the healthy growth of Drypetes Littoralis, it is important to take care of the plant properly. Here are some tips for taking care of the plant:
Water
Drypetes Littoralis requires moderate watering. The plant should be watered once a week, and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is important to ensure that the soil has good drainage.
Fertilization
The plant should be fertilized once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off.
Soil
Drypetes Littoralis prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic, with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5.
Sunlight
The plant prefers partial shade to full sun. It should be placed in an area that receives 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Hardiness Zones
Drypetes Littoralis is hardy in USDA zones 10 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Drypetes Littoralis is susceptible to pests and diseases, including:
Pests
– Mealybugs- Scale insects- Spider mites
Diseases
– Root rot- Leaf spot- AnthracnoseTo prevent pests and diseases, it is important to keep the plant clean and well-ventilated. Infected plants should be treated immediately with appropriate insecticides or fungicides.
Habitat
Drypetes Littoralis is native to the coastal regions of East Africa, Madagascar, Asia, and the Pacific Islands. It grows in sandy or rocky soils and is often found along the seashore.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Drypetes Littoralis a good indoor plant?
A: No, Drypetes Littoralis is not a good indoor plant. It prefers partial shade to full sun and needs to be placed in an area that receives 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Q: How often should I fertilize Drypetes Littoralis?
A: Drypetes Littoralis should be fertilized once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Can Drypetes Littoralis tolerate drought?
A: No, Drypetes Littoralis cannot tolerate drought. It requires moderate watering, and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged.
Q: How tall can Drypetes Littoralis grow?
A: Drypetes Littoralis can grow up to 10 meters tall.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Drypetes Littoralis:- Drypetes Roxburghii- Drypetes Sepiaria- Drypetes Deplanchei- Drypetes Hainanensis- Drypetes Brownii
References
– “Drypetes littoralis.” PlantZAfrica.com. https://www.plantzafrica.com/plantcd/drypetlitt.htm- “Drypetes littoralis.” World Agroforestry Centre. https://www.worldagroforestry.org/treedb2/speciesprofile.php?Spid=1766- “Drypetes littoralis.” Tropical Plants Database. http://www.tropicalplantbook.com/garden_plants/trees_and_shrubs/drypetes_littoralis.htm
