Contents
Description
Microdesmis Caseariifolia, commonly known as the “Ironwood,” is a perennial evergreen shrub that belongs to the family of Phyllanthaceae. It is mainly found in tropical Africa and Madagascar.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Phyllanthaceae |
| Genus | Microdesmis |
Appearance
The Ironwood plant grows up to 4 meters in height and has an upright growth habit with a dense canopy. The leaves are simple, alternate, and elliptical in shape, measuring 10-25 cm in length and 4-15 cm in width. The upper surface of the leaves is dark green, while the underside is light green. The plant produces small, greenish-yellow flowers that are unisexual and grow in clusters. The fruit is a capsule that contains seeds.
Care Guide
The Ironwood plant grows well in well-draining soil and requires regular watering. It prefers full sunlight to partial shade and is hardy in USDA zones 10-11. Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 months.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Ironwood plant is susceptible to scale insects, mealybugs, and spider mites. These pests feed on the plant’s sap, causing yellowing and wilting of the leaves. The plant is also prone to leaf spot diseases caused by fungal infections. To prevent these pests and diseases, keep the plant in a well-ventilated area and avoid overwatering.
Habitat
The Ironwood plant is native to tropical Africa and Madagascar and grows in humid forests and woodlands.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the growth habit of the Ironwood plant?
A: The Ironwood plant has an upright growth habit with a dense canopy.
Q: What type of soil does the Ironwood plant prefer?
A: The Ironwood plant prefers well-draining soil.
Q: What are the common pests that attack the Ironwood plant?
A: The Ironwood plant is susceptible to scale insects, mealybugs, and spider mites.
Q: What is the hardiness zone of the Ironwood plant?
A: The Ironwood plant is hardy in USDA zones 10-11.
Related Plants
- Microdesmis puberula
- Microdesmis keayana
- Microdesmis aequatorialis
- Microdesmis acuminata
References
- “Microdesmis Caseariifolia.” Useful Tropical Plants, http://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Microdesmis+caseariifolia.
- “Microdesmis Caseariifolia.” PlantzAfrica, https://www.plantzafrica.com/plantklm/microdesmcasearii.htm.
- “Microdesmis Caseariifolia.” World Agroforestry, https://www.worldagroforestry.org/treedb/AFTPDFS/Microdesmis_caseariifolia.PDF.
