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Description
Hura Polyandra, also known as the Monkey’s Pistol, is a small to medium-sized tree that belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae. It is native to Central and South America, and can grow up to 15 meters tall. The tree is characterized by its unique fruit pods, which explode and shoot out the seeds when they ripen. The seeds are toxic and can cause severe skin irritation.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae |
| Genus | Hura |
Appearance
The Hura Polyandra tree has a straight trunk and a narrow crown. Its leaves are large, measuring up to 50 cm long and 30 cm wide. The leaves are oval-shaped with a pointed tip and a serrated edge. The tree produces small, greenish-yellow flowers that bloom in clusters. The fruit pods are large, round, and covered in sharp spines. When the pods ripen, they explode and shoot out their seeds, which are small and black.
Care Guide
Water
Hura Polyandra requires moderate watering. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, water the tree once a week. In the winter, water it every two weeks.
Fertilization
The tree benefits from regular fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer every three months during the growing season.
Soil
The tree prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Use a mixture of sand, peat moss, and perlite to improve drainage.
Sunlight
Hura Polyandra requires full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can slow down its growth.
Hardiness Zones
The tree can grow in USDA hardiness zones 10 through 12.
Common Pests & Diseases
Hura Polyandra is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. These pests can be controlled using insecticidal soaps or neem oil. The tree is also prone to fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew and leaf spot. These diseases can be prevented by keeping the tree dry and well-ventilated.
Habitat
Hura Polyandra is native to Central and South America, where it grows in tropical and subtropical forests. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate periods of drought.
Question and Answer
Q: Are the seeds of Hura Polyandra edible?
A: No, the seeds are toxic and can cause severe skin irritation.
Q: Can Hura Polyandra be grown indoors?
A: Yes, the tree can be grown indoors in a large container with good drainage.
Q: How often should Hura Polyandra be pruned?
A: The tree does not require regular pruning, but it can be pruned to remove dead or damaged branches.
Q: Is Hura Polyandra a fast-growing tree?
A: Yes, the tree can grow up to 1 meter per year under optimal growing conditions.
Related Plants
Other plants in the Euphorbiaceae family include:
- Croton
- Poinsettia
- Castor Bean
- Candelabra Tree
References
- “Hura Polyandra (Monkey’s Pistol).” World of Flowering Plants. https://worldoffloweringplants.com/hura-polyandra-monkeys-pistol/
- “Hura Polyandra.” Plantzafrica. http://pza.sanbi.org/hura-polyandra
- “Hura Polyandra.” Plants of the World Online. http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:351385-1
