Guettarda Scabra

Description

Guettarda Scabra, commonly known as Sea-mango, is a shrub or small tree that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. This species is native to the Caribbean and is found in the Bahamas, Bermuda, Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Guettarda Scabra has shiny, dark green leaves that grow in opposite pairs and can reach up to 7 inches long. The plant produces clusters of white, fragrant flowers that bloom throughout the year. The fruit is a small, round, yellowish-green drupe that resembles a mango and is edible.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Guettarda Scabra is an evergreen plant that can grow up to 20 feet tall. The leaves are glossy and have a leathery texture, with a dark green color. The flowers are small and white, with a strong fragrance that attracts bees and butterflies. Guettarda Scabra produces small, round fruit that are yellowish-green in color and have a sweet, pleasant taste. The bark of the plant is gray-brown, with deep fissures and ridges.

Care Guide

To care for Guettarda Scabra, it’s important to provide the plant with well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. Fertilize the plant once every six months with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Guettarda Scabra can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, or layering.

Water

Guettarda Scabra requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week, or more often if necessary.

Fertilization

Fertilize Guettarda Scabra once every six months with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Use a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen during the growing season and high in phosphorus during the flowering season.

Soil

Guettarda Scabra prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Use a potting mix that contains equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite.

Sunlight

Guettarda Scabra prefers full sun to partial shade. The plant should be placed in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.

Hardiness Zones

Guettarda Scabra is hardy in USDA zones 10 and 11.

Common Pests & Diseases

Guettarda Scabra is susceptible to scale insects, mealybugs, and spider mites. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant is also prone to root rot if overwatered, so it’s important to ensure that the soil is well-draining.

Habitat

Guettarda Scabra is native to the Caribbean and is found in the Bahamas, Bermuda, Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. The plant grows in a variety of habitats, including coastal dunes, mangrove swamps, and dry forests.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Guettarda Scabra easy to care for?

A: Guettarda Scabra requires specific care, including well-draining soil, regular watering, and fertilization. However, with proper care, the plant can thrive and produce beautiful flowers.

Q: Can Guettarda Scabra be grown in a container?

A: Yes, Guettarda Scabra can be grown in a container as long as it is provided with well-draining soil, regular watering, and fertilization.

Q: Does Guettarda Scabra attract pollinators?

A: Yes, Guettarda Scabra produces fragrant flowers that attract bees and butterflies.

Q: Is Guettarda Scabra toxic to pets?

A: There is no information available that suggests that Guettarda Scabra is toxic to pets. However, it’s always a good idea to keep plants out of reach of pets to avoid accidental ingestion.

Related Plants

• Guettarda elliptica
• Guettarda krugii
• Guettarda macrosperma
• Guettarda pohliana

References

• “Guettarda Scabra.” Floridata, floridata.com/plant/1461.
• “Guettarda Scabra.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=f588.
• “Guettarda Scabra.” USDA, plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=GUSC3.