Contents
Description
Goupia Glabra, also known as the cupiuba tree, is a tropical tree native to South America. It belongs to the family Goupiaceae and is one of the few species in this family. The tree is known for its valuable timber and is often exploited for commercial purposes.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Goupiaceae |
| Genus | Goupia |
Appearance
Goupia Glabra is a tall tree that can grow up to 30 meters in height. The tree has a straight trunk with a diameter of about 60 cm. The bark is grayish-brown and smooth with vertical lines. The leaves are pinnate, with up to 10 leaflets, and are about 20-30 cm long. The flowers are small and white, and the fruit is a hard, woody capsule that contains up to 20 seeds.
Care Guide
Water
Goupia Glabra requires regular watering, especially during the dry season. It is important to ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization
Fertilization should be done annually during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Soil
The tree prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH level should be between 6.0 and 7.5.
Sunlight
Goupia Glabra requires full sun to thrive. It should be planted in an area that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Hardiness Zones
The tree is hardy in USDA zones 10-12.
Common Pests & Diseases
Goupia Glabra is susceptible to a few pests and diseases, including:- Borers: These pests can cause significant damage to the tree by tunneling into the trunk and branches. – Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes brown spots on the leaves and can weaken the tree. – Root rot: This disease is caused by a fungus and can lead to the death of the tree if left untreated.
Habitat
Goupia Glabra is native to tropical South America and is found in the Amazon Basin, the Guianas, and parts of Brazil. It grows in lowland rainforests and is often found in swampy areas.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Goupia Glabra easy to grow?
A: Goupia Glabra can be difficult to grow, especially in areas with poor drainage or soil that lacks organic matter. However, with proper care, it can thrive in suitable conditions.
Q: What is the timber of Goupia Glabra used for?
A: The timber of Goupia Glabra is highly valued for its strength and durability. It is used for construction, furniture, and other high-quality wood products.
Q: Can Goupia Glabra tolerate cold temperatures?
A: No, Goupia Glabra is not cold tolerant and can be damaged by frost or freezing temperatures.
Q: How long does it take for Goupia Glabra to mature?
A: Goupia Glabra can take up to 20 years to reach maturity and produce viable seeds.
Related Plants
– Goupia Brasiliensis- Goupia Glabra var. Glabra- Goupia Glabra var. Hirsuta- Goupia Paraensis
References
– “Goupia Glabra.” Useful Tropical Plants. https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Goupia+glabra- “Goupia Glabra.” The Plant List. http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/kew-2835038- “Goupia Glabra.” World Agroforestry Centre. https://www.worldagroforestry.org/treedb/AFTPDFS/Goupia_glabra.PDF
