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Description
Metopium Brownei, also known as Caribbean Satinwood, is a species of flowering plant in the soapberry family, Sapindaceae. It is a medium-sized evergreen tree that can grow up to 20-30 meters in height in its natural habitat. It is native to the Caribbean, including the Bahamas, Cuba, and Jamaica, and is commonly found in coastal areas, dry forests, and limestone formations.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Sapindaceae |
| Genus | Metopium |
Appearance
The leaves of the Metopium Brownei are glossy and dark green, with a leathery texture and an oval or oblong shape. The tree blooms in the spring and summer, producing small, greenish-yellow flowers that are not very showy. The fruit of the tree is a small, round drupe that turns red when ripe and contains a single seed. The bark of the tree is smooth and grey when young, but becomes rough and fissured as it ages.
Care Guide
Metopium Brownei prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It is important to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged, especially during the growing season. The plant requires full sun to partial shade and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, although it is not frost-tolerant. Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to encourage healthy growth.
Common Pests & Diseases
Metopium Brownei is susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, including spider mites, scale insects, and powdery mildew. Spider mites and scale insects can be controlled with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, while powdery mildew can be prevented by providing good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.
Habitat
Metopium Brownei is native to the Caribbean and can be found in a variety of habitats, including coastal areas, dry forests, and limestone formations. It is commonly used as an ornamental tree in landscaping due to its attractive appearance and tolerance to salty coastal conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Metopium Brownei poisonous?
A: Yes, all parts of the plant contain a toxic sap that can cause skin irritation and other health problems if ingested.
Q: Can Metopium Brownei be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the tree can be grown in containers, but it will require regular pruning to keep it from outgrowing its space.
Q: How often should Metopium Brownei be fertilized?
A: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Metopium Brownei?
A: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 10-11.
Related Plants
- Metopium toxiferum (Chechem)
- Metopium villosa (Wild Chechem)
- Metopium brownei var. glabratum (Smooth Satinwood)
References
- “Metopium Brownei.” PlantFiles, Dave’s Garden, https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/30976/.
- “Metopium Brownei.” University of Florida IFAS Extension, https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/st431.
- “Metopium Brownei.” World Agroforestry Centre, https://www.worldagroforestry.org/treedb2/speciesprofile.php?Spid=1945.
