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Description
Gymnocladus is a genus of deciduous trees that belong to the Fabaceae family. These trees are native to North America and are commonly known as Kentucky coffeetree or coffeetree. The name “coffeetree” comes from the use of the seeds as a substitute for coffee during the American Civil War. The seeds are not used for coffee production anymore due to their toxicity.The Gymnocladus tree can grow up to 25 meters tall and has a straight trunk with a narrow crown. The leaves are pinnately compound, with 6-10 pairs of leaflets that are ovate and up to 15 cm long. The flowers are greenish-white and appear in early summer, giving way to long, flat seed pods that can be over 30 cm long.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Gymnocladus |
Appearance
The Gymnocladus tree has a unique appearance, with large, pinnately compound leaves, greenish-white flowers, and long seed pods. The leaves are bright green and can grow up to 15 cm long. The flowers appear in early summer and are not particularly showy but are followed by long, flat seed pods that can be over 30 cm long. The bark is gray-brown and has deep furrows and ridges.
Care Guide
Gymnocladus trees are relatively easy to care for and can grow well in a variety of conditions. Here are some tips to help you care for your Gymnocladus tree:Water: Gymnocladus trees prefer moist soil, so make sure to water regularly, especially during dry periods.Fertilization: Fertilize your Gymnocladus tree once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.Soil: Gymnocladus trees can grow in a variety of soils, but they prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.Sunlight: Gymnocladus trees prefer full sun but can tolerate some shade.Hardiness Zones: Gymnocladus trees are hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Gymnocladus trees are relatively pest and disease resistant, but they can be affected by some common problems. Here are some of the most common pests and diseases that can affect Gymnocladus trees:Pests: Gymnocladus trees can be affected by Japanese beetles, spider mites, and scale insects.Diseases: Gymnocladus trees can be affected by canker, powdery mildew, and leaf spot.
Habitat
Gymnocladus trees are native to North America and are commonly found in the eastern and central United States. They grow in a variety of habitats, including floodplains, riverbanks, and woodland edges. Gymnocladus trees are often used as ornamental trees in urban and suburban landscapes due to their unique appearance.
Question and Answer
Q: Can you eat the seeds of the Gymnocladus tree?
A: No, the seeds of the Gymnocladus tree are toxic and should not be consumed.Q: Are Gymnocladus trees drought-tolerant?
A: Gymnocladus trees prefer moist soil but can tolerate some drought once established.Q: Do Gymnocladus trees have any medicinal uses?
A: The bark and seeds of the Gymnocladus tree have been used in traditional medicine for their antispasmodic and laxative properties.Q: Are Gymnocladus trees invasive?
A: No, Gymnocladus trees are not considered invasive.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to the Gymnocladus tree:- Honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos)- Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)- Pagoda Dogwood (Cornus alternifolia)
References
– “Gymnocladus dioicus.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed July 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=278054.- “Gymnocladus.” Flora of North America. Accessed July 2021. http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=114098.
