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Description
Kleinhovia Hospita, also known as the Forest Poison Tree, is a species of flowering plant in the family Malvaceae. It is native to Southeast Asia, including countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The tree produces small, yellow flowers and its fruit is a woody capsule that contains numerous seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Genus | Kleinhovia |
Appearance
The Kleinhovia Hospita can grow up to 30 meters tall and has a trunk that can reach up to 60 cm in diameter. Its leaves are simple, alternate, and have serrated margins. The tree’s bark is gray and smooth when young, but becomes rough and scaly as it ages. The flowers are small and yellow, and are followed by woody capsules that contain numerous seeds.
Care Guide
The Kleinhovia Hospita prefers well-draining soil and a location with full sunlight. It is a hardy tree that can withstand drought conditions, but regular watering is recommended. Fertilize the tree once every six months using a balanced fertilizer. It is a tropical tree that prefers warm temperatures and is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 10-12.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Kleinhovia Hospita is susceptible to pests such as aphids, scale insects, and spider mites. Diseases that commonly affect the tree include leaf spot, root rot, and powdery mildew. Regular inspection and treatment with insecticides and fungicides can help prevent these issues.
Habitat
The Kleinhovia Hospita is native to Southeast Asia and can be found in countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. It is commonly found in lowland and hill forests, along riverbanks, and in coastal areas.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Kleinhovia Hospita a poisonous plant?
A: Yes, the Kleinhovia Hospita is toxic and its bark and leaves contain a poisonous sap that can cause skin irritation and respiratory problems if ingested or inhaled.
Q: Can Kleinhovia Hospita be grown indoors?
A: No, the Kleinhovia Hospita is a large tree that requires full sunlight and ample space to grow. It is not suitable for indoor cultivation.
Q: Does Kleinhovia Hospita have any medicinal properties?
A: Yes, the bark and leaves of Kleinhovia Hospita have been traditionally used in Southeast Asian medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, cough, and diarrhea.
Q: Is Kleinhovia Hospita an endangered species?
A: No, the Kleinhovia Hospita is not currently listed as an endangered species, but it is under threat due to habitat loss and deforestation in its native range.
Related Plants
- Kleinhovia Hospitans
- Kleinhovia Papuana
- Kleinhovia Lautensis
References
- “Kleinhovia hospita.” Flora of China. Accessed June 2021. http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=200013103
- “Kleinhovia hospita.” IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Accessed June 2021. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/61954384/61954386
- “Kleinhovia hospita.” Plants of the World Online. Accessed June 2021. http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:560133-1
