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Description
Nestegis Cunninghamii, also known as the black maire, is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree that is native to New Zealand. It belongs to the family Oleaceae and has a moderate growth rate. The tree is characterized by its dark bark, glossy leaves, and clusters of small white flowers that bloom in the spring. The leaves have a distinctive aroma when crushed, which is often described as spicy.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain| Eukarya||————|———–|| Kingdom| Plantae|| Phylum| Angiosperms || Class| Eudicots || Order| Lamiales || Family| Oleaceae || Genus| Nestegis || Species| Cunninghamii |
Appearance
The black maire is a beautiful tree that can grow up to 15 meters tall. Its dark, almost black bark is rough and fissured, which adds to its ornamental value. The leaves are glossy and oval-shaped, measuring between 5-8 cm in length. They have a glossy green color on the upper side and a lighter green color on the underside. The flowers are small and white, with a diameter of around 5 mm. They grow in clusters of up to 10 flowers and bloom in the spring.
Care Guide
Black maire is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips for keeping your tree healthy:- Water: Water your plant regularly, especially during the summer months. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.- Fertilization: Fertilize your plant once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: The black maire prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic.- Sunlight: The plant does well in full sun to partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: The black maire is hardy in USDA zones 9-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The black maire is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to scale insects, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap. The plant can also be affected by leaf spot and powdery mildew, which can be treated with fungicides.
Habitat
The black maire is native to New Zealand and can be found in lowland to subalpine forests. It prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the black maire be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the black maire can be grown in containers. However, you will need to make sure that the container is large enough to accommodate the plant and that the soil is well-drained.
Q: How fast does the black maire grow?
A: The black maire has a moderate growth rate and can grow up to 15 meters tall.
Q: Does the black maire require any special care during the winter?
A: The black maire is hardy in USDA zones 9-10 and can withstand temperatures as low as 20°F. However, if you live in an area with harsh winters, you may want to protect the plant with a layer of mulch or a frost blanket.
Q: Can the black maire be pruned?
A: Yes, the black maire can be pruned to control its size and shape. Prune the tree in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
Related Plants
Other plants in the Nestegis genus include:- Nestegis montana- Nestegis sandwicensis- Nestegis cunninghamii var. petriei
References
– “Nestegis cunninghamii” by New Zealand Plant Conservation Network- “Oleaceae” by The Plant List- “Black Maire (Nestegis cunninghamii)” by Tree Growers Association.
