Contents
Description
Garryaceae is a family of flowering plants that includes only two genera: Garrya and Aucuba. These plants are native to North America and Eastern Asia and are known for their striking appearance, with their glossy leaves and unique flowers. Garrya species are commonly known as silk tassel bushes, while Aucuba species are commonly known as spotted laurels.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Garryales |
| Family | Garryaceae |
| Genus | Garrya, Aucuba |
Appearance
Garryaceae plants are known for their glossy leaves and unique flowers. Garrya species have long, drooping clusters of flowers that resemble tassels or catkins. These flowers are usually green or yellow and bloom in the winter or early spring. Aucuba species, on the other hand, have small, round flowers that bloom in the summer and are typically followed by bright red berries.Both Garrya and Aucuba species have thick, leathery leaves that are often variegated or speckled with white or yellow. Their bark is also unique, with a smooth, grayish-brown texture.
Care Guide
To care for Garryaceae plants, it’s important to provide them with the right amount of water, fertilizer, soil, sunlight, and protection from harsh weather conditions.Water: Garryaceae plants prefer moist soil, but they don’t like to be overwatered. Water them regularly, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.Fertilization: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring and summer to promote healthy growth.Soil: Garryaceae plants prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. They can tolerate a range of soil types, but they don’t like to be in soil that is too wet or too dry.Sunlight: Garryaceae plants prefer partial shade to full sun. They can tolerate some shade, but they need at least a few hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive.Hardiness Zones: Garryaceae plants are hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Garryaceae plants are generally healthy and resistant to pests and diseases. However, they can be susceptible to certain problems, including:- Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes brown, black, or yellow spots on the leaves. It can be treated with a fungicide.- Scale insects: These small insects can infest the leaves and stems of Garryaceae plants, causing yellowing and curling. They can be treated with insecticidal soap.- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and browning of the leaves. They can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Garryaceae plants are native to North America and Eastern Asia. In North America, they are found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, chaparral, and coastal areas. In Asia, they are found in forests and mountainous regions.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Garryaceae plants be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Garryaceae plants can be grown in containers as long as they have enough room to spread their roots and are provided with the right growing conditions.
Q: Are Garryaceae plants toxic to pets?
A: Aucuba species are toxic to pets, particularly dogs and cats, if ingested. Garrya species are not known to be toxic.
Q: Can Garryaceae plants tolerate drought?
A: Garryaceae plants can tolerate some drought, but they prefer moist soil and don’t like to be in soil that is too dry for extended periods of time.
Q: Do Garryaceae plants have any medicinal properties?
A: Some Native American tribes have used Garrya species for medicinal purposes, including treating headaches and fever. However, more research is needed to determine their medicinal properties.
Related Plants
– Cornaceae (dogwood family)- Iridaceae (iris family)- Oleaceae (olive family)- Rosaceae (rose family)- Saxifragaceae (saxifrage family)
References
– “Aucuba japonica.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 27, 2021. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c930.- “Garrya.” Flora of North America. Accessed August 27, 2021. http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=10436.- “Garryaceae.” The Plant List. Accessed August 27, 2021. http://www.theplantlist.org/browse/A/Garryaceae/.
