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Description
Pithecellobium Dulce, commonly known as Madras Thorn, is a plant species that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to tropical America and the Caribbean but can be found in other regions of the world, including Asia and Africa. The tree can grow up to 15 meters tall and has a dense, spreading crown. The bark is dark brown and fissured, while the leaves are bipinnate and dark green. The tree produces small, pinkish-white flowers and flat, oblong pods that contain edible seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Pithecellobium |
Appearance
Pithecellobium Dulce is a large tree with a dense, spreading crown that can reach up to 15 meters tall. The bark is dark brown and fissured, while the leaves are bipinnate and dark green, measuring between 7 and 10 cm long. The tree produces small, pinkish-white flowers that bloom in clusters and are followed by flat, oblong pods that measure about 10 cm long and contain edible seeds. The seeds are covered with a sweet, edible pulp that tastes similar to tamarind.
Care Guide
Pithecellobium Dulce is a relatively low-maintenance plant that requires moderate care. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:- Water: The tree prefers well-draining soil and requires moderate watering. During the growing season, water the tree once a week, and reduce watering in the winter.- Fertilization: Fertilize the tree once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: The tree prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate a wide range of soil types.- Sunlight: The tree prefers full sun, but it can also tolerate partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: Pithecellobium Dulce can grow in USDA hardiness zones 10-12.
Common Pests & Diseases
Like many plants, Pithecellobium Dulce is susceptible to pests and diseases. Here are some common issues that may affect this plant:- Mealybugs: These pests can cause yellowing of the leaves and a sticky residue on the tree.- Scale insects: These pests can cause yellowing of the leaves and a sticky residue on the tree.- Root rot: Overwatering can cause root rot, which can lead to wilting and yellowing of the leaves.
Habitat
Pithecellobium Dulce is native to tropical America and the Caribbean but can be found in other regions of the world, including Asia and Africa. The tree prefers warm, humid environments and can grow in a wide range of soil types. It is commonly found in coastal areas and can tolerate salt spray.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the fruit of Pithecellobium Dulce edible?
A: Yes, the flat, oblong pods of the Pithecellobium Dulce tree contain edible seeds that are covered with a sweet, edible pulp.
Q: What is the ideal growing environment for Pithecellobium Dulce?
A: Pithecellobium Dulce prefers warm, humid environments and can grow in a wide range of soil types. It is commonly found in coastal areas and can tolerate salt spray.
Q: How tall can Pithecellobium Dulce grow?
A: Pithecellobium Dulce can grow up to 15 meters tall.
Q: What are the common pests and diseases that affect Pithecellobium Dulce?
A: The common pests that affect Pithecellobium Dulce are mealybugs and scale insects. The common disease is root rot, which is caused by overwatering.
Related Plants
Here are some plants that are related to Pithecellobium Dulce:- Pithecellobium flexicaule- Pithecellobium jiringa- Pithecellobium guadalupense- Pithecellobium unguis-cati
References
– “Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb.) Benth.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science. Accessed 15 July 2021. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:503032-1.- “Pithecellobium dulce.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 15 July 2021. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287610&isprofile=0&basic=Pithecellobium%20dulce.- “Madras Thorn.” University of Florida Gardening Solutions. Accessed 15 July 2021. https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/trees-and-shrubs/trees/madras-thorn.html.
