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Description
Homalanthus Polyandrus, commonly known as the bleeding heart tree or red eye tree, is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. This tropical tree is native to the rainforests of Australia and Papua New Guinea. It can grow up to 50 feet tall and has a wide canopy that provides ample shade. The bleeding heart tree produces small greenish-yellow flowers that bloom in clusters during the spring and summer months. These flowers have a unique appearance, with red bracts that resemble a bleeding heart. The tree also produces small, red fruit that is edible but not commonly consumed.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae |
| Genus | Homalanthus |
| Species | Polyandrus |
Appearance
The bleeding heart tree has a distinct appearance that makes it easy to identify. It has a straight trunk with smooth, gray bark. The tree’s leaves are a glossy green color and are arranged alternately on the branches. The leaves are oval-shaped and have a pointed tip, with a length of 3-6 inches.The bleeding heart tree’s flowers are small, greenish-yellow in color, and bloom in clusters. The flowers are surrounded by red bracts that resemble a bleeding heart. These bracts are the most striking feature of the tree, adding a pop of color to any landscape.
Care Guide
To ensure the bleeding heart tree thrives, it’s important to provide proper care. Here are some care tips to keep in mind:- Water: The bleeding heart tree requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. Ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.- Fertilization: Use a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy growth.- Soil: The tree prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. – Sunlight: The bleeding heart tree thrives in full sun to partial shade. – Hardiness Zones: The tree grows best in USDA hardiness zones 10-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The bleeding heart tree is generally pest and disease-resistant. However, it can be vulnerable to root rot if the soil is kept too wet. Additionally, the tree can attract common garden pests such as aphids, spider mites, and scale insects. Regularly inspect the tree for any signs of infestation and treat with an insecticide as needed.
Habitat
The bleeding heart tree is native to the rainforests of Australia and Papua New Guinea. It thrives in warm, humid climates and prefers well-draining soil. The tree is often grown as an ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the fruit of the bleeding heart tree be eaten?
A: Yes, the fruit is edible but not commonly consumed.
Q: What is the blooming season for the bleeding heart tree?
A: The tree’s flowers bloom in clusters during the spring and summer months.
Q: How tall can the bleeding heart tree grow?
A: The tree can grow up to 50 feet tall.
Q: What is the best type of soil for the bleeding heart tree?
A: The tree prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic.
Related Plants
– Homalanthus Nutans- Homalanthus Populifolius- Homalanthus Tikopiaensis
References
– “Homalanthus Polyandrus.” PlantNet. Accessed July 22, 2021. https://www.plantnet.org/en/planthybase/?language=EN&module=plant&projet=fi&taxon=Homalanthus+polyandrus.- “Homalanthus Polyandrus.” World Agroforestry. Accessed July 22, 2021. https://worldagroforestry.org/treedb2/speciesprofile.php?Spid=1183.- “Homalanthus Polyandrus.” Floridata. Accessed July 22, 2021. https://floridata.com/Plants/Euphorbiaceae/Homalanthus+polyandrus/726.
