Contents
Description
Homalium Ceylanicum is a species of flowering plant in the family Salicaceae. It is native to Sri Lanka and India. The plant is a small to medium-sized tree that can grow up to a height of 15 meters. It has a straight trunk with smooth, greyish-brown bark. The leaves are simple, alternate, and ovate in shape. The flowers are small and greenish-white in color. The fruit is a small capsule that contains many seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain: | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Phylum: | Spermatophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Malpighiales |
| Family: | Salicaceae |
| Genus: | Homalium |
| Species: | Homalium Ceylanicum |
Appearance
Homalium Ceylanicum is a tree that can grow up to 15 meters in height. The bark is smooth, greyish-brown in color, and has a straight trunk. The leaves are simple, alternate, and ovate in shape, with a length of 5-12 cm and a width of 2-6 cm. They are dark green on the upper surface and light green on the lower surface. The flowers are small, greenish-white in color, and appear in clusters at the end of the branches. The fruit is a small capsule that contains many seeds.
Care Guide
Homalium Ceylanicum requires moderate care to thrive. Here are some tips for taking care of this plant:
Water: The plant requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization: The plant benefits from regular fertilization, especially during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer can be applied every two weeks.
Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is ideal.
Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full sun. It should be protected from direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day.
Hardiness Zones: Homalium Ceylanicum can be grown in hardiness zones 10-12.
Common Pests & Diseases
Homalium Ceylanicum is susceptible to a few pests and diseases. Here are some common ones to look out for:
Pests: The plant may be attacked by mealybugs, scale insects, or spider mites. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Diseases: The plant may be affected by root rot, leaf spot, or powdery mildew. These diseases can be prevented by avoiding overwatering and providing good air circulation.
Habitat
Homalium Ceylanicum is native to Sri Lanka and India. It grows in tropical and subtropical regions, in moist forests and along riverbanks.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Homalium Ceylanicum be grown indoors?
A: No, the plant requires partial shade to full sun and cannot be grown indoors.
Q: How often should I fertilize Homalium Ceylanicum?
A: The plant benefits from regular fertilization, every two weeks during the growing season.
Q: What is the ideal pH for the soil of Homalium Ceylanicum?
A: The plant prefers a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Q: What are some common pests and diseases of Homalium Ceylanicum?
A: The plant may be attacked by mealybugs, scale insects, spider mites, root rot, leaf spot, or powdery mildew.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Homalium Ceylanicum:
- Homalium Zeylanicum
- Homalium Henryi
- Homalium Acuminatum
- Homalium Procumbens
References
- “Homalium ceylanicum.” PlantZAfrica. Accessed August 23, 2021. https://www.plantzafrica.com/plantgh/homalceyl.htm.
- “Homalium ceylanicum.” The Plant List. Accessed August 23, 2021. http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/kew-2854269.
- “Homalium ceylanicum.” World Checklist of Selected Plant Families. Accessed August 23, 2021. http://wcsp.science.kew.org/namedetail.do?name_id=107595.
