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Description
Parmentiera cereifera, also known as candlestick tree or guajilote tree, is a shrub or small tree that belongs to the Bignoniaceae family. It is native to Central America and Mexico, where it can be found growing in dry forests and savannas. This plant is grown for its unusual flowers and fruits, which are shaped like candles.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Bignoniaceae |
| Genus | Parmentiera |
| Species | Parmentiera cereifera |
Appearance
Parmentiera cereifera can grow up to 10 meters tall, but is usually smaller. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and arranged in an alternate pattern. The flowers are yellow or cream colored, tubular in shape, and grow in clusters at the end of the branches. The fruits are long, narrow, and cylindrical, resembling candles or sausage links. They are green when young, turning yellowish-brown when mature. The fruit contains small seeds that can be dispersed by birds.
Care Guide
Water: Parmentiera cereifera prefers moderate watering, but should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings.Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy growth.Soil: This plant prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5.Sunlight: Parmentiera cereifera prefers full sun to partial shade.Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 10 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Parmentiera cereifera is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may occasionally be affected by spider mites, mealybugs, or scale insects. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant may also be susceptible to root rot if overwatered.
Habitat
Parmentiera cereifera is native to Central America and Mexico, where it grows in dry forests and savannas. It is also cultivated as an ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical regions around the world.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Parmentiera cereifera be grown in containers?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown in containers, but it may not reach its full potential size.
Q: How often should I fertilize Parmentiera cereifera?
A: Use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Q: Can Parmentiera cereifera tolerate drought?
A: This plant can tolerate some drought, but should be watered regularly during dry periods.
Q: Does Parmentiera cereifera attract wildlife?
A: The flowers of this plant are attractive to bees and butterflies, and the fruit is eaten by birds.
Related Plants
- Parmentiera aculeata
- Parmentiera edulis
- Parmentiera macrophylla
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Parmentiera cereifera. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c990
- University of Florida IFAS Extension. (n.d.). Parmentiera cereifera. Retrieved from https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FP165
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. (n.d.). Parmentiera cereifera. Retrieved from https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:1114348-2
