Contents
Description
Mystroxylon is a genus of flowering plants in the family Sarcolaenaceae. There are only two known species in this genus, namely Mystroxylon aethiopicum and Mystroxylon peruiferum. The former is native to tropical Africa while the latter is native to South America. Both species have been used medicinally by indigenous people for various purposes.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Sarcolaenaceae |
| Genus | Mystroxylon |
Appearance
Mystroxylon aethiopicum is a small tree that can grow up to 10 meters tall. It has a straight trunk and a dense crown of dark green leaves. The leaves are compound, with 5-8 leaflets that are elliptic to oblong in shape. The flowers are small and yellow-green, and are borne in clusters at the ends of the branches. The fruit is a woody capsule that contains 1-2 seeds.
Mystroxylon peruiferum is a small to medium-sized tree that can grow up to 20 meters tall. It has a straight trunk and a narrow crown of dark green leaves. The leaves are compound, with 5-8 leaflets that are lanceolate to oblong in shape. The flowers are small and yellow-green, and are borne in clusters at the ends of the branches. The fruit is a woody capsule that contains 1-2 seeds.
Care Guide
Mystroxylon plants require well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. They prefer regular watering, but the soil should not be waterlogged. Fertilize them with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. These plants prefer full sun to partial shade, and can be grown in hardiness zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Mystroxylon plants are not known to be prone to any particular pests or diseases. However, they may be susceptible to common plant pests such as aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. They may also be affected by fungal diseases such as powdery mildew if the conditions are too humid or the soil is too wet.
Habitat
Mystroxylon aethiopicum is found in tropical Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, and Uganda. It grows in rainforests and riparian forests at elevations up to 1,500 meters.
Mystroxylon peruiferum is found in South America, particularly in Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia. It grows in wet montane forests at elevations up to 3,000 meters.
Question and Answer
Q: Are Mystroxylon plants easy to grow?
A: Mystroxylon plants can be grown with some care and attention, but they may not be suitable for beginners.
Q: Can Mystroxylon plants be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Mystroxylon plants can be grown in containers provided that they are given enough space and nutrients.
Q: What is the typical lifespan of a Mystroxylon plant?
A: The lifespan of a Mystroxylon plant is not well documented, but it is believed to be several decades.
Q: What are some traditional uses of Mystroxylon plants?
A: Mystroxylon plants have been used medicinally by indigenous people to treat various ailments such as fever, malaria, and diarrhea.
Related Plants
- Sarcolaena
- Sarcosperma
- Trichoscypha
References
- Plants of the World Online. (n.d.). Mystroxylon. Retrieved from http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77144699-1
- Stevens, P. F. (2001 onwards). Angiosperm Phylogeny Website. Version 14, July 2017. Retrieved from http://www.mobot.org/MOBOT/research/APweb/
- The Plant List. (2013). Mystroxylon. Retrieved from http://www.theplantlist.org/1.1/browse/A/Sarcolaenaceae/Mystroxylon/
