Contents
Description
Guarea is a genus of flowering plants that belong to the Meliaceae family. It has approximately 35 species that are native to tropical regions of South America, Africa, and Asia. The genus was named after French naturalist Jean-Baptiste Guarré. The plants grow up to 30 meters tall and have a straight stem with a smooth bark that is grayish-brown in color. Guarea has a wide range of uses, including medicinal properties, timber, and ornamental purposes.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Meliaceae |
| Genus | Guarea |
Appearance
Guarea leaves are pinnate and can grow up to 45 cm long. The flowers are small and white or yellowish in color. The fruit is a capsule that contains seeds that are surrounded by a fleshy aril. The wood of Guarea is light in color and has a straight grain. It is commonly used for making furniture, veneer, and plywood.
Care Guide
Guarea is a low maintenance plant that requires moderate watering and fertilization. It can tolerate different soil types but prefers well-draining soil. Guarea thrives in full sun to partial shade and can grow in hardiness zones 10 to 12.
Common Pests & Diseases
Guarea is susceptible to leaf spot, powdery mildew, and root rot. It can also be attacked by scales, mealybugs, and spider mites. To prevent these pests and diseases, it is important to maintain good hygiene and avoid overwatering.
Habitat
Guarea is native to tropical regions of South America, Africa, and Asia. It grows in moist forests and along riverbanks. The plant provides habitat for various animal species, including birds and insects.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Guarea an endangered plant species?
A: Some species of Guarea are listed as endangered due to habitat destruction and overexploitation.
Q: What are the medicinal properties of Guarea?
A: Guarea has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, malaria, and skin diseases.
Q: Can Guarea be grown indoors?
A: Guarea can be grown indoors but requires a lot of space and bright light to thrive.
Q: How long does it take for Guarea to mature?
A: Guarea takes approximately 10 to 15 years to reach maturity.
Related Plants
- Cedrela
- Swietenia
- Melia
References
- “Guarea.” World Checklist of Selected Plant Families, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
- “Guarea.” The Plant List, Version 1.1, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and Missouri Botanical Garden.
- Ramirez, H., et al. “Phylogenetic Relationships and Species Delimitation in the Neotropical Genus Guarea (Meliaceae) Based on Nuclear and Plastid DNA Sequences.” PLoS ONE, vol. 9, no. 3, 2014, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0091389.
