Meliosma Veitchiorum

Description

Meliosma Veitchiorum, also known as Veitch’s Meliosma, is a plant species that is native to China. It belongs to the family Sabiaceae and is a deciduous shrub or small tree that can grow up to 10 meters in height. The leaves are alternate, simple, and elliptic in shape, measuring about 10 to 20 cm in length and 4 to 8 cm in width. The flowers are small and greenish white, and they bloom in the early summer, followed by the fruit in the fall.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

The Meliosma Veitchiorum has a smooth, gray bark, and its branches are slender and slightly drooping. The leaves are dark green in color and have a glossy texture on the upper surface. The underside of the leaves is paler and slightly hairy. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, measuring about 3 to 4 mm in diameter. The fruit is a capsule that is about 1 cm in diameter, and it contains one or two seeds.

Care Guide

The Meliosma Veitchiorum prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It requires moderate watering, and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. It is recommended to fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. The Meliosma Veitchiorum requires full sun to partial shade and can tolerate temperatures down to -10°C. It is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 10.

Common Pests & Diseases

The Meliosma Veitchiorum is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to leaf spot and powdery mildew if the plant is stressed or if the growing conditions are not optimal. Insect pests such as aphids and spider mites can also infest the plant, and they can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Habitat

The Meliosma Veitchiorum is native to China and can be found in the provinces of Anhui, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Shaanxi, Sichuan, Yunnan, and Zhejiang. The plant grows in forests, woodlands, and along streams and rivers.

Question and Answer

Q: Can the Meliosma Veitchiorum be grown in a container?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in a container, but it will require regular pruning to control its size.

Q: How often should the Meliosma Veitchiorum be fertilized?
A: The plant should be fertilized once a month during the growing season.

Q: How tall can the Meliosma Veitchiorum grow?
A: The plant can grow up to 10 meters in height.

Q: What is the hardiness zone for the Meliosma Veitchiorum?
A: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 10.

Related Plants

• Meliosma dilleniifolia
• Meliosma simplicifolia
• Meliosma tenuipes

References

• “Meliosma Veitchiorum.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=289272.
• “Meliosma Veitchiorum.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science, powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:710068-1.