Contents
Description
Protium Sagotianum is a plant species that belongs to the Burseraceae family. It is commonly known as “sangre de grado” or “dragon’s blood” due to its red sap that is used in traditional medicine. This plant is native to South America and can grow up to 20 meters tall. It has a straight trunk and its leaves are compound with 5-7 leaflets. The flowers are small and appear in clusters. The fruit is a drupe that contains a single seed.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Burseraceae |
| Genus | Protium |
Appearance
Protium Sagotianum has a tall and straight trunk with brown bark. Its leaves are compound with 5-7 leaflets that are oval-shaped and have a glossy surface. The flowers are small and white or yellowish, appearing in clusters. The fruit is a drupe that is round or oval-shaped with a diameter of 1-2 cm. The sap is a bright red color that dries into a resinous substance.
Care Guide
Protium Sagotianum prefers a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It needs moderate watering and should not be overwatered. Fertilize the plant once every two months during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. The plant requires partial to full sunlight and can tolerate hardiness zones of 10-12. Pruning can be done to maintain the desired shape and size of the plant.
Common Pests & Diseases
Protium Sagotianum is susceptible to fungal diseases such as leaf spot and powdery mildew. Pests that commonly affect this plant are scale insects, mealybugs, and spider mites. To prevent pests and diseases, make sure to maintain good hygiene by removing dead leaves and branches. Use a fungicide or insecticide treatment when necessary.
Habitat
Protium Sagotianum is native to the Amazon rainforest in South America, where it grows in humid and tropical climates. It can also be found in other tropical countries such as Peru, Ecuador, and Brazil. The plant can grow in both lowland and upland forests and can tolerate a variety of soil types.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the sap of Protium Sagotianum used for?
A: The sap is used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties.
Q: Is Protium Sagotianum a fast-growing plant?
A: Yes, it can grow up to 20 meters tall in a relatively short amount of time.
Q: Can Protium Sagotianum be grown indoors?
A: It is not recommended to grow this plant indoors as it requires full sunlight and can grow up to 20 meters tall.
Q: Is Protium Sagotianum an endangered species?
A: The species is not currently listed as endangered, but deforestation and habitat loss are a threat to its population.
Related Plants
- Protium Hebetatum
- Protium Tenuifolium
- Protium Paniculatum
- Protium Grandifolium
References
- “Protium Sagotianum.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287921.
- “Protium sagotianum.” Useful Tropical Plants, tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Protium+sagotianum.
- “Protium Sagotianum.” Plants of the World Online, powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:127463-1.
