Melicope Elleryana
Contents
Description
Melicope Elleryana, also known as the Corkwood Tree, is a species of flowering plant in the family Rutaceae. It is native to eastern Australia, particularly in the states of New South Wales and Queensland. This tree can grow up to 15 meters tall and has a corky bark that is thick, spongy, and soft. Its leaves are pinnately compound, with 5-9 leaflets that are oval-shaped and glossy green in color. Melicope Elleryana produces small, white flowers that bloom in clusters from late winter to early spring, followed by small, round fruits that turn from green to black when ripe.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Rutaceae |
| Genus | Melicope |
| Species | Elleryana |
Appearance
Melicope Elleryana is a tall tree with a dense, rounded crown that can reach up to 15 meters in height. Its bark is corky, thick, spongy, and soft, with a light brown to grey color. Its leaves are pinnately compound, with 5-9 leaflets that are oval-shaped and glossy green in color. The leaflets are 5-12 centimeters long and 1.5-3.5 centimeters wide. The tree produces small, white flowers that bloom in clusters from late winter to early spring, followed by small, round fruits that turn from green to black when ripe. The fruits are 5-8 millimeters in diameter and contain one or two seeds.
Care Guide
Melicope Elleryana is a hardy tree that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. It prefers a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and a sunny location with partial shade. Here are some tips on how to care for this tree:- Water: Water the tree regularly during the growing season, but avoid overwatering, as it can cause root rot.- Fertilization: Fertilize the tree once a year with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: Use a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: Melicope Elleryana prefers a sunny location with partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: This tree is hardy in USDA Zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Melicope Elleryana is relatively pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to the following:- Sooty mold: This is a fungal disease that often occurs on trees that are infested with aphids, mealybugs, or other sap-sucking insects.- Scale insects: These insects can cause yellowing and dropping of leaves, as well as stunted growth.- Leaf spot: This is a fungal disease that causes brown spots on the leaves.
Habitat
Melicope Elleryana is native to eastern Australia, particularly in the states of New South Wales and Queensland. It can be found in a variety of habitats, including rainforests, wet sclerophyll forests, and riparian areas. It prefers well-drained soils and grows best in areas with a warm, humid climate.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Melicope Elleryana a fast-growing tree?
A: No, it is a slow-growing tree that can take several years to reach maturity.
Q: Can Melicope Elleryana be grown in a container?
A: While it is possible to grow this tree in a container, it is not recommended, as it can quickly outgrow its container and become root-bound.
Q: Does Melicope Elleryana require pruning?
A: It does not require pruning, but you can prune it to shape or remove any dead or damaged branches.
Q: Is Melicope Elleryana a fire-resistant tree?
A: No, it is not fire-resistant and can be damaged or killed by wildfires.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Melicope Elleryana:- Melicope rubra- Melicope feruginea- Melicope vitiflora- Melicope quadrangularis- Melicope ptelefolia
References
– “Melicope Elleryana.” Australian Native Plants Society (Australia).- “Melicope Elleryana.” PlantNET – The Plant Information Network System of Botanic Gardens Trust.- “Melicope Elleryana.” Australian Tropical Rainforest Plants.
