Foetidia Mauritiana
Contents
Description
Foetidia Mauritiana, also known as the Bwa Fouye or Mauritius Wild Olive, is a small evergreen tree that can grow up to 20 feet tall. It is native to the island of Mauritius and is often cultivated for its ornamental value and medicinal properties. Its branches are covered in small, dark green leaves that are highly aromatic when crushed. The tree produces small, white flowers that bloom in the spring and summer, followed by small, purple-black fruits that are edible but not commonly consumed.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Garryales |
| Family | Stilbaceae |
| Genus | Foetidia |
Appearance
The Foetidia Mauritiana has a dense, rounded crown and a smooth, grayish-brown bark. Its leaves are oval-shaped, leathery, and can grow up to 3 inches long. The tree’s small, white flowers are borne in clusters and are highly fragrant. Its fruit is a small, round, fleshy drupe that turns from green to purple-black when mature. The tree’s roots are shallow and fibrous, making it ideal for planting in small gardens or containers.
Care Guide
The Foetidia Mauritiana prefers well-drained soil and partial sun to full shade. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, but performs best in slightly acidic to neutral soils. Water the tree regularly, but do not overwater. Fertilize the tree with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. The tree is hardy in USDA zones 10-11, but can be grown as a container plant in colder zones. Prune the tree in the late winter or early spring to control its size and shape.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Foetidia Mauritiana is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Scale insects and mealybugs may infest the tree, but can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. If the tree’s leaves turn yellow or brown, it may be a sign of nutrient deficiency or overwatering.
Habitat
The Foetidia Mauritiana is native to the island of Mauritius, where it grows in forests and along riverbanks. It is often cultivated as an ornamental tree in gardens and parks. The tree’s bark and leaves are used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, headaches, and stomachaches.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Foetidia Mauritiana a good plant for small gardens?
A: Yes, the Foetidia Mauritiana is ideal for planting in small gardens or containers because of its shallow, fibrous roots.
Q: Can the Foetidia Mauritiana be grown in colder climates?
A: Yes, the Foetidia Mauritiana can be grown as a container plant in colder climates.
Q: Is the Foetidia Mauritiana susceptible to pests and diseases?
A: The Foetidia Mauritiana is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but may be susceptible to root rot if overwatered.
Q: What is the Foetidia Mauritiana used for?
A: The tree’s bark and leaves are used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments.
Related Plants
- Foetidia argentea
- Foetidia mauritiana var. angustifolia
- Foetidia polycarpa
- Foetidia prieuriana
References
- “Foetidia mauritiana.” Floridata. Accessed July 12, 2021. https://floridata.com/plant/1458.
- “Foetidia mauritiana.” PlantZAfrica. Accessed July 12, 2021. http://pza.sanbi.org/foetidia-mauritiana.
- “Foetidia mauritiana.” World Agroforestry Centre. Accessed July 12, 2021. https://www.worldagroforestry.org/treedb/AFTPDFS/Foetidia_mauritiana.PDF.
