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Description
Guarea Guidonia, also known as the West Indian Elm, is a species of tree native to the Caribbean and South America. It belongs to the Meliaceae family and can grow up to 30 meters tall. The tree has a straight trunk with a grayish-brown bark and pinnate leaves that are dark green in color. It produces small, purple flowers that bloom in clusters and later develop into round, brown fruit.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Meliaceae |
| Genus | Guarea |
Appearance
The West Indian Elm has a unique appearance with its tall, straight trunk and dark green pinnate leaves. Its bark is grayish-brown and smooth, and its small, purple flowers bloom in clusters. The tree’s fruit is round and brown. Guarea Guidonia can grow up to 30 meters tall and requires full sun to thrive.
Care Guide
Guarea Guidonia requires regular watering, especially during dry periods. It prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The tree should be fertilized once a year with a balanced fertilizer. It grows best in hardiness zones 10-11 and requires full sun exposure. Prune the tree regularly to maintain its shape and remove any dead or diseased branches.
Common Pests & Diseases
The West Indian Elm is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including spider mites, scale insects, and leaf spot. To prevent these issues, regularly inspect the tree for signs of infestation or disease and treat any problems early on. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control pests, and prune infected leaves or branches to prevent the spread of disease.
Habitat
Guarea Guidonia is native to the Caribbean and South America and can be found in tropical forests and lowland areas. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun exposure. The tree plays an important role in its ecosystem by providing food and shelter for local wildlife.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Guarea Guidonia survive in colder climates?
A: No, the West Indian Elm requires warm temperatures and cannot survive in colder climates.
Q: How often should Guarea Guidonia be fertilized?
A: The tree should be fertilized once a year with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Is Guarea Guidonia drought-tolerant?
A: No, the tree requires regular watering, especially during dry periods.
Q: What is the best time to prune Guarea Guidonia?
A: The tree should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Related Plants
- Guarea grandifolia
- Guarea kunthiana
- Guarea rhopalocarpa
References
- “Guarea Guidonia.” Floridata. Accessed 15 September 2021. https://floridata.com/plant/295.
- “Guarea Guidonia.” Plants of the World Online. Accessed 15 September 2021. http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:57949-1.
- “West Indian Elm.” University of Florida IFAS Extension. Accessed 15 September 2021. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/st258.
