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Description
Plagianthus Regius, also known as Ribbonwood or Manatu, is a native New Zealand tree that grows up to 15 meters tall. This evergreen tree is popular for its beautiful white flowers that bloom in spring and summer. The tree produces small, round, woody fruits that contain tiny seeds. Plagianthus Regius is commonly found in the North Island and the northern parts of the South Island.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Genus | Plagianthus |
Appearance
Plagianthus Regius has a unique appearance with its long, ribbon-like leaves that can grow up to 20cm long. The leaves are dark green and glossy on the upper surface and pale green on the underside. The tree has a straight trunk with a light grey bark that is smooth when young and rougher with age. In the spring and summer, the tree produces small, white, scented flowers that bloom in clusters. The tree produces small, round, woody fruits that contain tiny seeds.
Care Guide
Water: Plagianthus Regius prefers moist but well-drained soil. Water the tree regularly during the growing season and reduce watering in the winter.Fertilization: Fertilize the tree during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.Soil: The tree prefers fertile, well-drained soil.Sunlight: Plagianthus Regius prefers full sun to partial shade.Hardiness Zones: The tree is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Plagianthus Regius is generally free from serious pests and diseases. However, the tree may be susceptible to scale insects and spider mites. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Habitat
Plagianthus Regius is commonly found in forests, forest margins, and riverbanks in the North Island and the northern parts of the South Island. The tree prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Plagianthus Regius an evergreen tree?
A: Yes, Plagianthus Regius is an evergreen tree.Q: What is the height of Plagianthus Regius?
A: Plagianthus Regius can grow up to 15 meters tall.Q: What are the common pests of Plagianthus Regius?
A: The common pests of Plagianthus Regius are scale insects and spider mites.Q: What is the hardiness zone of Plagianthus Regius?
A: Plagianthus Regius is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Plagianthus Regius:
- Plagianthus Divaricatus
- Plagianthus Regius ‘Niveus’
- Plagianthus Regius ‘Lakes’
- Plagianthus Sylvaticus
References
- “Plagianthus Regius.” New Zealand Plant Conservation Network. https://www.nzpcn.org.nz/flora/species/plagianthus-regius/ (accessed October 15, 2021).
- “Plagianthus Regius.” Royal Horticultural Society. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/101117/i-Plagianthus-regius-i/Details (accessed October 15, 2021).
- “Plagianthus Regius.” The Plant List. http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/kew-2561846 (accessed October 15, 2021).
