Melicope Pteleifolia

Description

Melicope Pteleifolia, also known as the `Aluka tree,’ is a small tree or shrub belonging to the Rutaceae family. This evergreen plant is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. It usually grows up to 5 meters tall and has a spread of 3 meters.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Melicope Pteleifolia has glossy, dark green leaves that are oblong to elliptic in shape, measuring up to 12 cm long and 5 cm wide. The leaves are leathery and have a slightly serrated edge. The tree produces small, white flowers that grow in clusters and are fragrant. The flowers turn into small, green fruits that mature to yellowish-orange when ripe. The bark of the tree is grayish-brown and slightly rough.

Care Guide

Water

Melicope Pteleifolia requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. It prefers moist, but well-drained soil. Water the plant deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry slightly between watering.

Fertilization

Fertilize Melicope Pteleifolia with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. Use a slow-release fertilizer in spring and fall.

Soil

Melicope Pteleifolia prefers well-draining, fertile soil. It does well in loamy, sandy, or clay soils. Ensure that the soil is slightly acidic to mildly alkaline, with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5.

Sunlight

Melicope Pteleifolia requires full to partial sunlight exposure. It does well in areas with ample sunlight in the morning and partial shade in the afternoon.

Hardiness Zones

Melicope Pteleifolia thrives in USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b.

Common Pests & Diseases

Melicope Pteleifolia is relatively pest and disease resistant. However, it may occasionally suffer from scale insects, mealybugs, or spider mites. These pests can be controlled using insecticides or by wiping the leaves with a damp cloth.

Habitat

Melicope Pteleifolia is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Southeast Asia. It grows naturally in lowland and hill forests, often near rivers and streams.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Melicope Pteleifolia suitable for indoor planting?

A: No, Melicope Pteleifolia requires full to partial sunlight exposure and is not suitable for indoor planting.

Q: How often should I fertilize Melicope Pteleifolia?

A: Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season and use a slow-release fertilizer in spring and fall.

Q: What is the suitable pH level for the soil of Melicope Pteleifolia?

A: The soil pH for Melicope Pteleifolia should be slightly acidic to mildly alkaline, with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5.

Q: Is Melicope Pteleifolia cold-hardy?

A: Melicope Pteleifolia thrives in USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b, making it cold-hardy.

Related Plants

• Melicope triphylla
• Melicope ptelefolia
• Melicope elleryana
• Melicope vitiflora
• Melicope rubra

References

• “Melicope ptelefolia.” Floridata, Accessed 12 August 2021, https://floridata.com/Plants/Rutaceae/Melicope+ptelefolia/1739.
• “Melicope ptelefolia.” Plants of the World Online, Accessed 12 August 2021, http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:775986-1.
• “Melicope ptelefolia.” The University of Florida Extension, Accessed 12 August 2021, https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST652.