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Description
Ocotea Foetens, commonly known as Stinkwood, is a slow-growing evergreen tree that belongs to the Lauraceae family. This species is native to the Atlantic forests of Brazil, where it can reach up to 25 meters in height. The bark of the tree is gray and smooth, while the leaves are simple, alternate, and elliptical-shaped. The flowers are small, greenish, and inconspicuous, and the fruit is a small black berry.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Laurales |
| Family | Lauraceae |
| Genus | Ocotea |
Appearance
Stinkwood is a handsome tree with a symmetrical shape and dense foliage. The leaves are glossy and dark green, measuring up to 12 cm in length. The bark of the tree is smooth and gray, becoming rougher with age. The wood is resistant to decay and termites, and it is often used for furniture making. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, and the fruit is a small black berry.
Care Guide
Stinkwood is a low-maintenance tree that can adapt to different growing conditions. Here are some tips for taking care of this plant:
Water: Stinkwood prefers moist soil but can tolerate some drought. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering in winter.
Fertilization: Fertilize the plant in spring and summer with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to excessive growth and weak branches.
Soil: Stinkwood prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. If the soil is compacted, loosen it with a fork or a shovel to improve drainage.
Sunlight: Stinkwood prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun. Avoid planting it in a windy location, as it can damage the branches.
Hardiness Zones: Stinkwood is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Stinkwood is a relatively pest-free tree, but it can be susceptible to some diseases, such as anthracnose and leaf spot. The best way to prevent these diseases is to keep the tree healthy and well-watered. Stinkwood can also attract scale insects, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Habitat
Stinkwood is native to the Atlantic forests of Brazil, where it grows in moist, well-drained soil. It prefers a warm, humid climate and partial shade. Stinkwood is an important timber tree in Brazil, and its wood is used for furniture making, flooring, and construction.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Stinkwood a fast-growing tree?
A: No, Stinkwood is a slow-growing tree that can take several years to reach maturity.
Q: Can Stinkwood tolerate drought?
A: Yes, Stinkwood can tolerate some drought, but it prefers moist soil.
Q: Is Stinkwood resistant to termites?
A: Yes, Stinkwood is resistant to termites and decay.
Q: Can Stinkwood be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Stinkwood can be grown in large containers, but it will require regular watering and fertilization.
Related Plants
Here are some plants that are related to Stinkwood:
- Ocotea porosa
- Ocotea puberula
- Ocotea odorifera
- Ocotea catharinensis
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Ocotea foetens. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287058
- NatureServe. (2018). Ocotea foetens. Retrieved from https://explorer.natureserve.org/Taxon/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.141635/Ocotea_foetens
- PlantZAfrica. (n.d.). Ocotea foetens. Retrieved from http://pza.sanbi.org/ocotea-foetens
