Contents
Description
Labourdonnaisia Calophylloides is a rare and exotic plant species that is native to the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean. It is a member of the family Calophyllaceae and is named after the French governor of Mauritius, Bertrand-François Mahé de La Bourdonnais. This plant species was discovered in the early 1800s and has since become a popular ornamental plant in many parts of the world due to its unique and attractive appearance.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Calophyllaceae |
| Genus | Labourdonnaisia |
Appearance
The Labourdonnaisia Calophylloides plant can grow up to 8 meters tall and has a dense, bushy appearance. The leaves are glossy and dark green, measuring up to 15 cm in length and 6 cm in width. The flowers of this plant species are small and white, measuring up to 2 cm in diameter. They appear in clusters and have a sweet fragrance that attracts many pollinators, such as bees and butterflies. The fruit of Labourdonnaisia Calophylloides is a woody capsule that contains one or two seeds.
Care Guide
Labourdonnaisia Calophylloides is a tropical plant that requires warm temperatures and high humidity to thrive. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and to provide the plant with regular fertilization to promote growth. This plant species prefers well-draining soil and requires bright, indirect sunlight to grow properly. It is hardy in USDA zones 10-12.
Common Pests & Diseases
Labourdonnaisia Calophylloides is susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, including spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects, and root rot. These can be prevented or treated by regularly inspecting the plant for signs of infestation or disease and using appropriate insecticides or fungicides as needed.
Habitat
Labourdonnaisia Calophylloides is native to the island of Mauritius, where it grows in the moist, tropical forests of the island’s highlands. It is a rare and endangered species in its natural habitat due to habitat loss and deforestation.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Labourdonnaisia Calophylloides a good indoor plant?
A: Labourdonnaisia Calophylloides can be grown indoors but requires bright, indirect sunlight and high humidity to grow properly. It is also a large plant that may not be suitable for all indoor spaces.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Labourdonnaisia Calophylloides plant?
A: Labourdonnaisia Calophylloides should be fertilized every 2-3 months during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: How often should I water my Labourdonnaisia Calophylloides plant?
A: Labourdonnaisia Calophylloides prefers moist but not waterlogged soil. It should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Q: Can Labourdonnaisia Calophylloides be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, Labourdonnaisia Calophylloides can be propagated from stem cuttings taken in the spring or summer. The cuttings should be placed in a moist, well-draining potting mix and kept in a warm, humid environment until roots form.
Related Plants
- Calophyllum Inophyllum
- Calophyllum Brasiliense
- Calophyllum Lanigerum
- Calophyllum Apetalum
References
- “Labourdonnaisia calophylloides.” IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, www.iucnredlist.org/species/30318/0. Accessed 2 Dec. 2021.
- “Labourdonnaisia calophylloides.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286932&isprofile=0&basic=labourdonnaisia. Accessed 2 Dec. 2021.
- “Labourdonnaisia calophylloides.” Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, www.kew.org/science/collections/data-and-databases/collections-summaries/labourdonnaisia-calophylloides. Accessed 2 Dec. 2021.
