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Description
Lophanthera is a genus of flowering plants that belongs to the family Malpighiaceae. The genus comprises only one species, Lophanthera lactescens, which is commonly known as the “cow’s foot” due to the shape of its leaves. This evergreen tree is native to the tropical regions of South America, particularly in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Malpighiaceae |
| Genus | Lophanthera |
Appearance
Lophanthera lactescens is a tall tree that can grow up to 25 meters in height. It has a straight trunk and a dense, rounded crown of branches. The leaves are simple, alternate, and elliptic in shape, measuring about 10-20 cm in length and 3-7 cm in width. The upper surface of the leaves is dark green, while the lower surface is pale green and covered with fine hairs. The flowers of Lophanthera are small and yellow, arranged in axillary clusters. The fruit is a woody, oblong capsule that contains two or three seeds.
Care Guide
Lophanthera lactescens is a relatively easy plant to care for. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:- Water: Water the plant regularly, especially during the growing season. Make sure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.- Soil: Use a well-draining soil mix that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: Lophanthera prefers full sun to partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 10-12.
Common Pests & Diseases
Lophanthera lactescens is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, and mealybugs. To prevent these pests from infesting your plant, keep the plant clean and well-maintained. If an infestation occurs, treat the plant with an appropriate insecticide or miticide.
Habitat
Lophanthera lactescens is native to the tropical regions of South America, where it grows in moist, lowland forests and along riverbanks. The plant prefers warm, humid climates and can tolerate occasional flooding.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Lophanthera lactescens a fast-growing plant?
A: Yes, Lophanthera lactescens is a fast-growing plant that can reach up to 6-10 feet per year under ideal conditions.
Q: Can Lophanthera lactescens be grown in a container?
A: Yes, Lophanthera lactescens can be grown in a container as long as it is provided with enough space to grow and a well-draining soil mix.
Q: Does Lophanthera lactescens require pruning?
A: Lophanthera lactescens may require occasional pruning to maintain its shape and size. Prune the plant in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Q: Is Lophanthera lactescens a good choice for a shade tree?
A: Lophanthera lactescens prefers full sun to partial shade, so it may not be the best choice for a shade tree. However, it can provide some shade if planted in a sunny spot.
Related Plants
Here are some plants that are related to Lophanthera:- Byrsonima crassifolia- Malpighia emarginata- Stigmaphyllon ciliatum- Heteropterys glabra- Bunchosia armeniaca
References
– “Lophanthera lactescens.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 9 June 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=282329.- “Lophanthera lactescens (cow’s-foot).” Tropical Trees and Shrubs. Accessed 9 June 2021. https://uses.plantnet-project.org/en/Lophanthera_lactescens_(PROSEA).- “Lophanthera lactescens.” PlantZAfrica. Accessed 9 June 2021. http://pza.sanbi.org/lophanthera-lactescens.
