Contents
Description
Schizolobium is a genus of flowering plants in the pea family, Fabaceae. It is native to tropical America and includes only one species, Schizolobium parahyba. The plant is also known as the Brazilian fern tree or the pau-de-balsa. Schizolobium is a fast-growing tree that can reach a height of up to 30 meters. It has a straight trunk and a broad, open crown of foliage. The leaves are compound and can measure up to 50 centimeters in length.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Schizolobium |
Appearance
Schizolobium is a beautiful plant that can add a tropical touch to any garden. It has a straight trunk that can grow up to 1 meter in diameter. The bark is grayish-brown, rough, and deeply fissured. The leaves are large, compound, and pinnate, with up to 18 pairs of leaflets. The leaflets are ovate or elliptic, with a pointed tip and a rounded base. They are bright green and have a glossy surface. Schizolobium produces fragrant, cream-colored flowers in large clusters that can measure up to 60 centimeters in length. The fruits are long, narrow, and flattened pods that contain numerous seeds.
Care Guide
Schizolobium is an easy-to-care-for plant that requires little maintenance. Here are some tips for taking care of your Schizolobium:- Water: Schizolobium prefers moist but well-drained soil. Water it regularly during the growing season, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.- Fertilization: Schizolobium does not require heavy fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer once a year in the spring.- Soil: Schizolobium can grow in a variety of soils, but it prefers fertile, well-drained soil.- Sunlight: Schizolobium prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: Schizolobium is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Schizolobium is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may be affected by some common problems, including:- Anthracnose: a fungal disease that causes leaf spots and cankers on the trunk and branches.- Leaf miners: small insects that tunnel through the leaves, causing brown or yellow patches.- Mealybugs: small, white insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves.- Root rot: a fungal disease that causes the roots to rot, leading to wilting and death of the plant.
Habitat
Schizolobium is native to tropical America, where it grows in a variety of habitats, including rainforests, riverbanks, and savannas. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun but can tolerate some shade. Schizolobium is an important timber tree in its native range, as it produces lightweight and durable wood that is used for making furniture, boats, and paper.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Schizolobium a good plant for beginners?
A: Yes, Schizolobium is an easy-to-care-for plant that requires little maintenance.
Q: Can Schizolobium grow in a pot?
A: Schizolobium can grow in a large pot, but it may not reach its full height or produce as much foliage as it would in the ground.
Q: Does Schizolobium attract wildlife?
A: Yes, Schizolobium is a popular plant for birds and insects due to its fragrant flowers and large clusters of seeds.
Q: How fast does Schizolobium grow?
A: Schizolobium is a fast-growing tree that can grow up to 3 meters per year under ideal conditions.
Related Plants
Here are some plants that are related to Schizolobium:- Albizia julibrissin- Cassia fistula- Delonix regia- Bauhinia variegata- Acacia auriculiformis
References
– “Schizolobium parahyba.” The Plant List. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and Missouri Botanical Garden. Web.- “Schizolobium parahyba.” Floridata. Web.- “Schizolobium.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. Web.
