Millingtonia Hortensis

Description

Millingtonia Hortensis, also known as Indian Cork Tree or Tree Jasmine, is a beautiful, fast-growing evergreen tree that is native to Southeast Asia. It belongs to the family Bignoniaceae and is widely cultivated as an ornamental tree in tropical and subtropical regions all over the world. The tree can grow up to 20-25 meters tall, with a straight trunk and a wide-spreading crown. Its leaves are large, dark green, and pinnate, with 5-11 leaflets, and its flowers are white, fragrant, and trumpet-shaped, with a diameter of 4-6 centimeters. The tree’s fruit is a long, narrow capsule that contains numerous seeds.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Millingtonia Hortensis is a striking tree that can add beauty to any landscape. Its wide-spreading crown and straight trunk make it look majestic and impressive. The tree’s leaves are large, dark green, and pinnate, with 5-11 leaflets that are ovate or elliptic in shape. The leaves can grow up to 30-50 centimeters long and 15-25 centimeters wide. Its flowers are white and fragrant, with a diameter of 4-6 centimeters. The flowers bloom in clusters of 10-20 and are trumpet-shaped, with a long slender tube and five rounded lobes. The tree’s fruit is a capsule that is about 12-20 centimeters long and 1.5-2 centimeters wide.

Care Guide

Millingtonia Hortensis is a low-maintenance tree that is easy to grow and care for. Here are some care tips:

• Water: The tree needs regular watering, especially during the dry season. Water the tree deeply once a week, making sure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
• Fertilization: Fertilize the tree with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).
• Soil: The tree prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
• Sunlight: The tree prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but may not flower as well.
• Hardiness Zones: Millingtonia Hortensis is hardy in USDA zones 10-12. It cannot tolerate frost or freezing temperatures.

Common Pests & Diseases

Millingtonia Hortensis is generally a healthy tree that is not prone to many pests and diseases. However, here are some common ones to watch out for:

• Mealybugs: These small, white insects can infest the tree’s leaves and stems, causing them to wilt and yellow. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to get rid of them.
• Aphids: These tiny, soft-bodied insects can damage the tree’s leaves and flowers, causing them to distort and curl. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to get rid of them.
• Fungal diseases: The tree can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and leaf spot. Use a fungicide to treat them.

Habitat

Millingtonia Hortensis is native to Southeast Asia and can be found in countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Malaysia. It grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, savannas, and along riverbanks. The tree prefers tropical and subtropical climates and can tolerate high temperatures and humidity.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Millingtonia Hortensis a fast-growing tree?

A: Yes, Millingtonia Hortensis is a fast-growing tree that can grow up to 1-2 meters per year under optimal conditions.

Q: Does Millingtonia Hortensis require a lot of water?

A: Yes, Millingtonia Hortensis needs regular watering, especially during the dry season. Water the tree deeply once a week, making sure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.

Q: Can Millingtonia Hortensis tolerate frost?

A: No, Millingtonia Hortensis cannot tolerate frost or freezing temperatures. It is hardy in USDA zones 10-12.

Q: How tall can Millingtonia Hortensis grow?

A: Millingtonia Hortensis can grow up to 20-25 meters tall under optimal conditions.

Related Plants

• Tabebuia impetiginosa
• Tecoma stans
• Bignonia capreolata
• Catalpa bignonioides

References

• “Millingtonia Hortensis.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c372.
• “Millingtonia Hortensis.” Plant Care Today, 1 June 2020, plantcaretoday.com/millingtonia-hortensis.html.
• “Millingtonia Hortensis.” World Agroforestry Centre, www.worldagroforestry.org/treedb2/speciesprofile.php?Spid=1989.