Filicium

Description

Filicium is a plant genus that belongs to the family Sapindaceae, which is native to Southeast Asia. The plant is known for its beautiful white or pinkish flowers and dark green foliage. Filicium is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 15 meters tall. Its flowers are fragrant and bloom in clusters from the axils of the leaves. The fruit of Filicium is a drupe that contains one or two seeds.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Filicium is an evergreen tree with a round crown and a smooth, gray bark. Its leaves are dark green, glossy, and elliptical, measuring 10-20 cm long and 5-10 cm wide. The plant’s flowers are white or pinkish and bloom in clusters from the axils of the leaves. Its fruit is a drupe, measuring 2-3 cm in diameter, and contains one or two seeds.

Care Guide

Filicium is easy to care for and requires moderate watering, fertilization, and sunlight exposure. The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate partial shade but grows best in full sunlight. Filicium is hardy in USDA zones 10-12.

Watering

Water the plant regularly, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering.

Fertilization

Fertilize Filicium with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season, which will promote healthy growth and flowering.

Soil

Filicium prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil pH levels.

Sunlight

The plant grows best in full sunlight, but can tolerate partial shade.

Hardiness Zones

Filicium is hardy in USDA zones 10-12.

Common Pests & Diseases

Filicium is relatively pest and disease-free, but may be susceptible to scale insects and mealybugs. Overwatering can lead to root rot.

Habitat

Filicium is native to Southeast Asia and can be found in countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. It grows in tropical and subtropical regions, often near rivers or in lowland forests.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Filicium a good indoor plant?

A: No, Filicium is not a good indoor plant as it requires full sunlight to thrive.

Q: Can Filicium tolerate drought?

A: No, Filicium requires regular watering and cannot tolerate drought.

Q: How often should I fertilize Filicium?

A: Fertilize Filicium with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season, which is typically from spring to fall.

Q: How tall can Filicium grow?

A: Filicium can grow up to 15 meters tall.

Related Plants

• Sapindus
• Aesculus
• Litchi
• Dimocarpus
• Blighia

References

• “Filicium decipiens.” PlantZAfrica. South African National Biodiversity Institute, n.d. Web. 12 May 2021.
• “Filicium decipiens.” World Agroforestry Centre. n.p., n.d. Web. 12 May 2021.
• “Filicium decipiens.” Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, n.d. Web. 12 May 2021.