Contents
Description
Flacourtia Rukam, also known as the Governor’s Plum, is a small tree species that belongs to the Salicaceae family. This tree species is native to Southeast Asia, particularly in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines. It is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 10 meters tall with a trunk diameter of up to 30 centimeters. The Governor’s Plum produces small, greenish-yellow flowers that bloom between March and May, and its fruits are edible, with a tangy and sweet flavor.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Salicaceae |
| Genus | Flacourtia |
| Species | Flacourtia rukam |
Appearance
The Flacourtia Rukam tree has a round, spreading crown with smooth, grayish-brown bark. Its leaves are simple, alternately arranged, and elliptical in shape, with an average length of 7 to 12 centimeters. The leaves’ color ranges from light green to dark green, depending on the age of the leaves. The Governor’s Plum produces small, greenish-yellow flowers that bloom between March and May, and its fruits are small, round, and edible, with a diameter of 1 to 2 centimeters.
Care Guide
To ensure that your Flacourtia Rukam grows healthy and strong, you need to provide it with the right care. Here are some tips:Water: Governor’s Plum trees require regular watering but make sure to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.Fertilization: You can fertilize your Flacourtia Rukam tree once every three months using a complete fertilizer.Soil: This tree species prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter.Sunlight: Governor’s Plum trees need full sun to partial shade to thrive.Hardiness Zones: Flacourtia Rukam grows best in USDA hardiness zones 10 to 12.
Common Pests & Diseases
Like other plant species, Flacourtia Rukam is susceptible to pests and diseases. Here are some common ones:Pests: The Governor’s Plum is prone to infestations by aphids, spider mites, and scales.Diseases: This tree species is susceptible to fungal diseases such as root rot and powdery mildew.
Habitat
Flacourtia Rukam is native to Southeast Asia and can be found growing in lowland forests, riverbanks, and disturbed areas. It grows best in warm and humid climates with plenty of rainfall.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Flacourtia Rukam tree drought-tolerant?A: No, Flacourtia Rukam requires regular watering and does not tolerate drought well.Q: How can I propagate Flacourtia Rukam?A: You can propagate Governor’s Plum using seeds or stem cuttings.Q: Can I grow Flacourtia Rukam in a container?A: Yes, you can grow this tree species in a container as long as you provide it with the right care and a suitable container size.Q: How often should I prune my Flacourtia Rukam tree?A: You can prune your Governor’s Plum tree once a year during the dormant season to keep its shape and promote healthy growth.
Related Plants
Here are some related plant species to Flacourtia Rukam:- Flacourtia inermis- Flacourtia jangomas- Flacourtia indica- Flacourtia montana
References
– “Flacourtia Rukam (Governor’s Plum).” PlantSG. National Parks Board Singapore, n.d. Web. 17 Sept. 2021.- “Flacourtia rukam.” Useful Tropical Plants. Useful Tropical Plants Database, n.d. Web. 17 Sept. 2021.- “Flacourtia rukam.” World Agroforestry Centre. Agroforestry Tree Database, n.d. Web. 17 Sept. 2021.
