Ehretia Acuminata

Description

Ehretia Acuminata, commonly known as the “Purple Puzzle Tree”, is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree that belongs to the Boraginaceae family. It is native to South America and can be found in countries such as Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. The tree’s name “Purple Puzzle Tree” comes from its unique bark pattern, which resembles puzzle pieces and has a purple hue.The tree can grow up to 10 meters tall and has a rounded, dense crown. The leaves are simple, alternate, and have a glossy green color, with a length of 2-6 cm and a width of 1-3 cm. The tree blooms in late spring to early summer, producing small white to light pink flowers that are fragrant and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The fruit is a small, red to black drupe that is edible but not commonly consumed.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

The Purple Puzzle Tree has a unique bark pattern that looks like puzzle pieces, with a purple hue that becomes more prominent as the tree ages. The leaves are simple, alternate, and glossy green in color, with a length of 2-6 cm and a width of 1-3 cm. The tree blooms in late spring to early summer, producing small white to light pink flowers that are fragrant and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The fruit is a small, red to black drupe that is edible but not commonly consumed.

Care Guide

To care for the Purple Puzzle Tree, you should ensure that it receives enough water, fertilization, and sunlight, and is planted in the right kind of soil. The tree prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter and slightly acidic. It also requires regular watering, especially during the hot summer months. Fertilization should be done during the growing season, using a balanced fertilizer. The tree prefers full sun exposure but can tolerate partial shade.The Purple Puzzle Tree is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11, and can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F. In colder climates, it is recommended to grow the tree in a container and bring it indoors during the winter months.

Common Pests & Diseases

The Purple Puzzle Tree is relatively pest and disease-resistant, but it can be susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. These pests can be controlled using insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. The tree can also be affected by root rot if planted in poorly-drained soil, so it is important to ensure that the soil is well-drained.

Habitat

The Purple Puzzle Tree is native to South America and can be found in countries such as Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. It grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, savannas, and grasslands. The tree is also commonly planted as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens.

Question and Answer

Q: Is the fruit of the Purple Puzzle Tree edible?

A: Yes, the fruit is edible but not commonly consumed.

Q: What kind of soil does the Purple Puzzle Tree prefer?

A: The tree prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter and slightly acidic.

Q: Can the Purple Puzzle Tree be grown in colder climates?

A: Yes, it can be grown in colder climates if planted in a container and brought indoors during the winter months.

Q: What kind of pests can affect the Purple Puzzle Tree?

A: The tree can be affected by mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects.

Related Plants

• Ehretia Microphylla
• Ehretia Laevis
• Ehretia Rigida
• Ehretia Anacua

References

• “Ehretia Acuminata.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 29, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=e499.
• “Ehretia Acuminata.” Plants of the World Online. Accessed September 29, 2021. http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:325484-2.
• “Purple Puzzle Tree (Ehretia Acuminata).” Gardenista. Accessed September 29, 2021. https://www.gardenista.com/posts/gardening-101-purple-puzzle-tree-ehretia-acuminata-care-and-growing-guide/.