Contents
Description
Flindersia is a genus of flowering plants in the citrus family, Rutaceae. It is native to Australia and Papua New Guinea and includes approximately 25 species of trees. The name “Flindersia” honors Matthew Flinders, a British navigator and cartographer who circumnavigated Australia and studied its flora and fauna. Flindersia trees are known for their timber, which is used to make furniture, flooring, and other wood products.
Taxonomic Information
Domain | Eukarya |
Kingdom | Plantae |
Phylum | Tracheophyta |
Class | Magnoliopsida |
Order | Sapindales |
Family | Rutaceae |
Genus | Flindersia |
Appearance
Flindersia trees can grow up to 50 meters tall and have a trunk diameter of up to 1.5 meters. They have a rounded crown and a straight trunk with rough, fissured bark. The leaves are pinnate, with 5-13 leaflets that are lanceolate or elliptical in shape. The flowers are white or cream-colored and grow in large panicles. The fruit is a woody capsule that splits open to release winged seeds.
Care Guide
Flindersia trees require moderate care, and proper maintenance can help them remain healthy and beautiful. Here are some tips for caring for your Flindersia tree:Water: Flindersia trees prefer regular watering, but they can tolerate periods of drought. Water the tree deeply every week during the growing season and reduce watering during the winter.Fertilization: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to the tree in the spring and fall to promote healthy growth.Soil: Flindersia trees prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soil that is rich in organic matter. Avoid planting the tree in heavy clay soil, as this can lead to root rot.Sunlight: Flindersia trees prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Ensure that the tree receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.Hardiness Zones: Flindersia trees are hardy to USDA zones 10-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Flindersia trees are generally resistant to pests and diseases, but they can be susceptible to root rot if planted in heavy clay soil. Insect pests that can affect Flindersia trees include scale insects, mealybugs, and spider mites. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Habitat
Flindersia trees are native to Australia and Papua New Guinea and can be found in a variety of habitats, including rainforests, woodlands, and savannas. They are often found growing in rocky or sandy soils and can tolerate periods of drought.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Flindersia trees be grown in pots?
A: Flindersia trees can be grown in pots when they are young, but they can quickly outgrow their container and should be transplanted into the ground.Q: What is the best time to prune a Flindersia tree?
A: Flindersia trees can be pruned in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins.Q: What is the lifespan of a Flindersia tree?
A: Flindersia trees can live for several decades, with some species living up to 100 years.Q: Are Flindersia trees invasive?
A: Flindersia trees are not considered invasive, but they can become weedy in some areas.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Flindersia:- Citrus sinensis (Sweet orange)- Murraya paniculata (Orange jessamine)- Zanthoxylum fagara (Wild lime)- Melicope elleryana (Pink Euodia)
References
– “Flindersia.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 12 July 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flindersia.- “Flindersia.” Australian Native Plants Society (Australia), anpsa.org.au/APOL30/jun03-3.html.- “Flindersia.” North Carolina State University, Department of Horticultural Science, content.ces.ncsu.edu/flindersia.