Contents
Description
Sterculia Foetida, commonly known as the Java Olive, is a tropical tree that belongs to the Sterculiaceae family. This tree is native to Southeast Asia, Africa, and India, and it can grow up to 20 meters tall. The tree’s most notable feature is its large, woody fruit that houses several seeds that are covered with a yellowish-red aril. The fruit is edible but has a pungent odor that resembles rotten cheese, hence the name “foetida”. The seeds are also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain| Eukarya|| ———– | ——— || Kingdom| Plantae|| Phylum| Magnoliophyta || Class| Magnoliopsida|| Order| Malvales|| Family| Sterculiaceae || Genus| Sterculia || Species| Sterculia Foetida |
Appearance
The Sterculia Foetida has a straight, cylindrical trunk that can grow up to 60 centimeters in diameter. The bark is greyish-brown and smooth when young, but it becomes rough and fissured with age. The leaves are large, measuring up to 30 centimeters in length and 20 centimeters in width. They are dark green, glossy, and have a leathery texture. The tree produces large, woody fruits that are round or oval-shaped and measure up to 10 centimeters in diameter. The fruit is covered with short, stiff hairs and has several seeds that are coated with a yellowish-red aril.
Care Guide
Sterculia Foetida can thrive in a variety of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clayey soils. It requires regular watering, especially during the dry season, to prevent the soil from drying out. The tree also benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer. It prefers full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade. The tree is hardy in USDA zones 10-12.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Sterculia Foetida is susceptible to various pests and diseases, including mealybugs, spider mites, scale insects, and leaf spot. Mealybugs and spider mites can be controlled using insecticidal soap or neem oil. Scale insects can be removed by hand or treated with horticultural oil. Leaf spot can be prevented by avoiding overhead watering and providing good air circulation.
Habitat
The Sterculia Foetida is native to Southeast Asia, Africa, and India. It grows in a variety of habitats, including rainforests, dry deciduous forests, and scrublands. The tree is also cultivated in other parts of the world as an ornamental plant and for its edible fruit.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Sterculia Foetida a fast-growing tree?
A: Yes, under optimal conditions, the Sterculia Foetida can grow up to 1 meter per year.
Q: What is the Sterculia Foetida used for?
A: The tree is used for its edible fruit, traditional medicine, and as an ornamental plant.
Q: Can the Sterculia Foetida tolerate drought?
A: No, the Sterculia Foetida requires regular watering and cannot tolerate prolonged drought.
Q: Does the Sterculia Foetida produce flowers?
A: Yes, the tree produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are greenish-yellow in color.
Related Plants
– Sterculia Acuminata- Sterculia Apetala- Sterculia Campanulata- Sterculia Cordata- Sterculia Diversifolia
References
– “Sterculia foetida.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 12, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286929.- “Sterculia foetida L.” Plants of the World Online. Accessed August 12, 2021. http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:554166-1.
