Hura is a genus of flowering plants in the family Euphorbiaceae, commonly known as the sandbox tree, monkey no-climb, or possumwood. The genus is native to tropical regions of the Americas, including the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America. The name “sandbox tree” comes from the large, spiky fruit capsules that can explode, scattering the seeds up to 45 meters away.
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Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae |
| Genus | Hura |
Appearance
Hura trees can grow up to 30 meters tall with a trunk diameter of up to 1 meter. The bark is gray-brown and smooth, with shallow fissures. The leaves are large, up to 50 cm long and 30 cm wide, and are arranged alternately on the branches. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, with male and female flowers on separate trees. The fruit capsules are the most distinctive feature of the sandbox tree. They are large and spiky, up to 15 cm in diameter, and contain numerous seeds.
Care Guide
Hura trees are hardy and can tolerate a wide range of conditions, but they prefer well-drained soil and full sun. They can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11. Water the tree regularly, and fertilize it once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Prune the tree to remove dead or damaged branches, but avoid pruning in late summer or fall as this can stimulate new growth that is vulnerable to frost damage.
Common Pests & Diseases
Hura trees are generally not susceptible to pests or diseases, but they can be affected by spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. The tree can also be affected by root rot if the soil is too wet, so make sure to plant it in well-drained soil.
Habitat
Hura trees are native to tropical regions of the Americas, where they grow in moist, lowland forests. They can also be found in disturbed areas such as pastures and along roadsides. The trees are often planted as ornamentals in tropical gardens and parks.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the significance of the exploding fruit capsules?
A: The exploding fruit capsules of the sandbox tree are thought to be a defense mechanism against herbivores. The seeds are dispersed over a wide area, making it more difficult for animals to find and eat them.
Q: Can Hura trees be grown indoors?
A: Hura trees are large and require a lot of sunshine, so they are not well-suited for indoor growing.
Q: Are Hura trees used for any medicinal purposes?
A: Some parts of the Hura tree have been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including skin infections and respiratory problems. However, the tree is also toxic and can cause serious health problems if ingested in large quantities.
Q: Can Hura trees be propagated from cuttings?
A: Hura trees can be propagated from cuttings, but it can be difficult to get them to root. It is usually easier to propagate the tree from seeds.
Related Plants
- Euphorbia
- Croton
- Codiaeum
References
- “Hura crepitans.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d799.
- “Hura.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 4 May 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hura.
- “Sandbox Tree.” National Tropical Botanical Garden, www.ntbg.org/plants/plant_details.php?plantid=5783.
