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Description
Serianthes Nelsonii, also known as the ironwood or Nelson’s Serianthes, is a tree species native to the Mariana Islands, Palau, and Guam. It belongs to the Leguminosae family and is known for its beautiful flowers and leaves. The tree can grow up to 30 meters tall and has a trunk diameter of up to 90 cm.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Leguminosae |
| Genus | Serianthes |
Appearance
The Serianthes Nelsonii has a straight trunk with a grayish-brown bark that is fissured and scaly. Its leaves are pinnate, with 5-9 leaflets that have a glossy green color and are 6-13 cm long. The tree produces fragrant, white to pink flowers that are about 3 cm long and have a tubular shape. The fruit of the tree is a pod that is 10-15 cm long and contains numerous seeds.
Care Guide
Serianthes Nelsonii prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is a hardy tree that can tolerate a wide range of soil types and pH levels. It is important to water the tree regularly, especially during dry periods, to ensure that the soil remains moist. Fertilization should be done twice a year, using a balanced fertilizer. The tree is hardy in USDA zones 10-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Serianthes Nelsonii is susceptible to a few pests and diseases. The most common pests are scale insects, which can be controlled by using insecticides. The tree can also be affected by root rot, which is caused by overwatering or poorly drained soil. To prevent root rot, ensure that the soil is well-drained and avoid overwatering the tree.
Habitat
Serianthes Nelsonii is native to the Mariana Islands, Palau, and Guam. It grows in lowland forests and on rocky hillsides. The tree is also cultivated as an ornamental plant in other parts of the world.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Serianthes Nelsonii a fast-growing tree?
A: No, Serianthes Nelsonii is a slow-growing tree.
Q: Can Serianthes Nelsonii be grown in a container?
A: It is not recommended to grow Serianthes Nelsonii in a container, as it can grow quite large and requires a lot of space to grow.
Q: Is Serianthes Nelsonii a good shade tree?
A: Yes, Serianthes Nelsonii can provide good shade due to its large size and dense foliage.
Q: Can Serianthes Nelsonii be propagated from seed?
A: Yes, Serianthes Nelsonii can be propagated from seed. The seeds should be planted in well-drained soil and kept moist until they germinate.
Related Plants
- Serianthes Grandiflora
- Serianthes Myriadenia
- Serianthes Yapensis
References
- “Serianthes nelsonii.” Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk (PIER).
- “Serianthes nelsonii (Ironwood).” Hawaii Pacific Weed Risk Assessment.
- “Serianthes nelsonii.” World Agroforestry Centre.
