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Description
Picconia Excelsa, commonly known as Canary Island bayberry, is an evergreen tree that belongs to the Oleaceae family. It is native to the Canary Islands and grows up to 30 feet tall. The tree has a dense, rounded crown, and its leaves are leathery, glossy, and dark green. The flowers are small and white, and they bloom in the summer. The tree produces small, black berries that are edible but not commonly consumed.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Oleaceae |
| Genus | Picconia |
Appearance
The Picconia Excelsa tree has a unique and attractive appearance. Its bark is smooth and gray, and it has a dense, round canopy that provides ample shade. The leaves of the tree are dark green, leathery, and glossy, and they are about 2-4 inches long. The tree produces small, white flowers that bloom in the summer, and they are followed by small, black berries. The berries are edible but not commonly consumed.
Care Guide
Picconia Excelsa is a hardy tree that can thrive in a variety of conditions. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:Water: The tree prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate drought. Water it deeply once a week during hot, dry weather.Fertilization: Fertilize the tree with a balanced fertilizer once a year in the spring.Soil: The tree prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.Sunlight: Picconia Excelsa thrives in full sun to partial shade.Hardiness Zones: The tree is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Picconia Excelsa is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to scale insects, which can be treated with insecticidal soap. The tree can also be affected by root rot if it is grown in poorly drained soil.
Habitat
The Picconia Excelsa tree is native to the Canary Islands and grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, scrublands, and rocky hillsides. It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate drought.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Picconia Excelsa a fast-growing tree?
A: No, this tree grows slowly, and it can take several years to reach its full height.Q: Can Picconia Excelsa be grown in a container?
A: Yes, this tree can be grown in a container, but it will need to be repotted periodically as it grows.Q: Are the berries of Picconia Excelsa edible?
A: Yes, the berries are edible, but they are not commonly consumed.Q: Is Picconia Excelsa a good shade tree?
A: Yes, this tree has a dense, rounded canopy that provides ample shade.
Related Plants
Here are some plants that are related to Picconia Excelsa:- Olea europaea (olive tree)- Ligustrum japonicum (Japanese privet)- Syringa vulgaris (common lilac)- Fraxinus excelsior (European ash)
References
– “Picconia Excelsa.” Floridata. Accessed May 9, 2021. https://floridata.com/plant/1224.- “Picconia Excelsa.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed May 9, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=267690.- “Picconia Excelsa.” PlantFiles. Accessed May 9, 2021. https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/129333/.
