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Description
Machilus Japonica is a species of evergreen tree that belongs to the Lauraceae family. It is native to Japan, Taiwan, and China, and is known for its beautiful foliage and small flowers. The tree can grow up to 15 meters tall and has a dense and rounded crown. Its bark is brownish-grey and smooth when young, but becomes rough and fissured as it ages. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and leathery, and can grow up to 10 centimeters long. The flowers are small and greenish-yellow and bloom in early summer. The fruit of the tree is a small, round, black berry that is about 1 centimeter in diameter.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Laurales |
| Family | Lauraceae |
| Genus | Machilus |
| Species | Machilus Japonica |
Appearance
Machilus Japonica is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 15 meters tall. Its dense and rounded crown is made up of dark green, glossy, and leathery leaves that can grow up to 10 centimeters long. The tree’s bark is brownish-grey and smooth when young, but becomes rough and fissured as it ages. In early summer, the tree produces small, greenish-yellow flowers that are followed by small, round, black berries that are about 1 centimeter in diameter.
Care Guide
Machilus Japonica is a relatively low-maintenance tree. It can thrive in a variety of conditions, but prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Here are some tips on how to care for this tree:- Water: Water the tree deeply once a week during the growing season. Reduce watering in the winter.- Fertilization: Fertilize the tree once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: The tree prefers well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5.- Sunlight: The tree prefers full sun to partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: Machilus Japonica is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Machilus Japonica is relatively pest and disease-resistant, but it can be affected by a few common issues. Here are some of the most common pests and diseases that can affect this tree:- Scale insects: These insects can infest the leaves and stems of the tree and cause damage. Treat with insecticidal soap or oil.- Anthracnose: This fungal disease can cause leaf spot and defoliation. Treat with a fungicide.- Root rot: This disease can be caused by overwatering or poorly-drained soil. Improve drainage and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Habitat
Machilus Japonica is native to Japan, Taiwan, and China. It can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and mountain slopes. The tree is often used in landscaping and as an ornamental tree in gardens.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Machilus Japonica a fast-growing tree?
A: No, Machilus Japonica is a slow-growing tree.Q: Can Machilus Japonica tolerate drought?
A: No, Machilus Japonica prefers moist soil and cannot tolerate drought.Q: Does Machilus Japonica produce fruit?
A: Yes, Machilus Japonica produces small, round, black berries.Q: Is Machilus Japonica a good tree for urban landscapes?
A: Yes, Machilus Japonica is a good tree for urban landscapes because it is relatively low-maintenance and tolerant of pollution.
Related Plants
Here are some plants that are related to Machilus Japonica:- Cinnamomum Camphora- Laurus Nobilis- Persea Americana- Sassafras Albidum
References
– “Machilus Japonica.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=e899.- “Machilus Japonica.” Plant Finder, www.ballseed.com/PlantInfo/?phid=087600120002851.- “Machilus Japonica.” Trees and Shrubs Online, treesandshrubsonline.org/articles/machilus/machilus-japonica/.
