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Description
Dysoxylum parasiticum, also known as the parasitic mahogany tree, is a tropical tree that belongs to the Meliaceae family. This tree is native to Southeast Asia and can be found in countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Unlike other trees, Dysoxylum parasiticum is parasitic in nature, meaning that it grows by attaching to and feeding off the roots of other trees.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Meliaceae |
| Genus | Dysoxylum |
Appearance
Dysoxylum parasiticum can grow up to 20 meters tall and has a trunk that can reach up to 60 centimeters in diameter. The bark of the tree is smooth and gray, while the leaves are compound and measure around 30 centimeters long. The tree produces small, white flowers that grow in clusters, and the fruit is a three-lobed capsule that can measure up to 5 centimeters in diameter.
Care Guide
Water: Dysoxylum parasiticum requires regular watering, especially during the dry season. However, it is important to avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot.Fertilization: Fertilize the tree with a balanced fertilizer once every two months during the growing season.Soil: The tree prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.Sunlight: Dysoxylum parasiticum prefers partial shade, especially during the hottest hours of the day.Hardiness Zones: This tree thrives in hardiness zones 10-12.
Common Pests & Diseases
Dysoxylum parasiticum is susceptible to pests such as mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites. It is also prone to diseases such as leaf spot and root rot. To prevent these issues, it is important to maintain good hygiene in the garden and to remove any infected plant material.
Habitat
Dysoxylum parasiticum is native to the rainforests of Southeast Asia and can be found in countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. The tree grows in areas with high humidity and rainfall and prefers to attach itself to the roots of other trees.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Dysoxylum parasiticum be grown indoors?
A: It is not recommended to grow this tree indoors as it requires ample space and partial shade.
Q: Does Dysoxylum parasiticum produce fruit?
A: Yes, the tree produces a three-lobed capsule that contains seeds.
Q: How fast does Dysoxylum parasiticum grow?
A: The tree grows at a moderate pace and can take several years to reach its full height.
Q: Is Dysoxylum parasiticum a threatened species?
A: Yes, the tree is considered a threatened species due to habitat loss and overexploitation.
Related Plants
- Dysoxylum binectariferum
- Dysoxylum cauliflorum
- Dysoxylum densiflorum
References
- “Dysoxylum parasiticum” PlantNet. http://www.plantnet.org.
- “Dysoxylum parasiticum” World Agroforestry Centre. http://www.worldagroforestry.org.
- “Parasitic Mahogany Tree” Gardening Know How. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com.
