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Sinojohnstonia

Sinojohnstonia

Description

Sinojohnstonia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Rubiaceae. It is native to China and Taiwan, and consists of only one known species, Sinojohnstonia yunnanensis. The plant is named after the renowned American botanist, Ivan Murray Johnston. It is a small tree or shrub that can grow up to 6 meters in height. The leaves of Sinojohnstonia are simple, opposite, and lanceolate in shape, with a length of 10-15 cm and a width of 2-3 cm. The plant produces small, white flowers that are arranged in cymes, and blooms from summer to autumn.

Taxonomic Information

Domain Eukaryota
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Spermatophyta
Class Magnoliopsida
Order Gentianales
Family Rubiaceae
Genus Sinojohnstonia
Species Sinojohnstonia yunnanensis

Appearance

Sinojohnstonia is a small tree or shrub with a height of up to 6 meters. The bark of the plant is gray-brown in color and becomes corky with age. The leaves are simple, opposite, and lanceolate in shape, with a length of 10-15 cm and a width of 2-3 cm. The upper surface of the leaves is dark green in color, while the lower surface is lighter. The plant produces small, white flowers that are arranged in cymes. The fruit of Sinojohnstonia is a small, globular drupe that is about 1 cm in diameter and turns red when mature.

Care Guide

Sinojohnstonia is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips on how to take care of it:

Water

Sinojohnstonia prefers moist soil, but make sure not to overwater it. Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. During the winter months, reduce watering.

Fertilization

Fertilize Sinojohnstonia once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.

Soil

Sinojohnstonia prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic.

Sunlight

Sinojohnstonia prefers partial shade or filtered light. Avoid direct sunlight, as it may scorch the leaves.

Hardiness Zones

Sinojohnstonia is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 8 to 10.

Common Pests & Diseases

Sinojohnstonia is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. It may also suffer from root rot if overwatered. To prevent pests and diseases, make sure to maintain good air circulation and avoid overwatering.

Habitat

Sinojohnstonia is native to China and Taiwan, where it grows in forests, thickets, and along streams at elevations of 1000 to 2500 meters.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Sinojohnstonia a rare plant?

A: Yes, Sinojohnstonia is a rare plant that is not commonly found in cultivation.

Q: How often should I water Sinojohnstonia?

A: Water Sinojohnstonia when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch.

Q: What is the hardiness zone for Sinojohnstonia?

A: Sinojohnstonia is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 8 to 10.

Q: What is the best soil type for Sinojohnstonia?

A: Sinojohnstonia prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic.

Related Plants

Some related plants to Sinojohnstonia include:

  • Coffea arabica
  • Coffea canephora
  • Galium odoratum
  • Psychotria nervosa

References

  • Flora of China: Rubiaceae
  • Missouri Botanical Garden: Sinojohnstonia yunnanensis
  • Plant Delights Nursery: Sinojohnstonia yunnanensis
  • RHS: Sinojohnstonia yunnanensis

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