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Description
Sterculia Monosperma, also known as the Peon-leaved Sterculia, is a deciduous tree species that belongs to the Malvaceae family. It is native to India, Nepal, and Bhutan, and can grow up to 40 feet tall. The tree produces attractive pink flowers with red centers, which turn into large, woody fruits that contain a single seed each. The seeds are edible and are used in traditional medicine. The bark of the tree is also used for medicinal purposes.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Genus | Sterculia |
Appearance
The Sterculia Monosperma has a slender trunk with a grayish-brown bark that peels off in thin flakes. The leaves are large and heart-shaped, with a glossy green surface and a reddish-brown underside. The flowers are pink, with a deep red center, and bloom in late winter or early spring. The fruit is a large, woody capsule that splits open to reveal a single seed.
Care Guide
The Sterculia Monosperma requires moderate care and attention to grow well. It prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter, and regular watering during the growing season. The tree should be fertilized once a year with a balanced fertilizer. It requires full sunlight to grow properly and can tolerate temperatures down to 25°F. The tree is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Sterculia Monosperma is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be affected by root rot and fungal leaf spots. Root rot can be prevented by ensuring that the soil is well-draining, and by avoiding overwatering. Fungal leaf spots can be treated with a fungicide spray.
Habitat
The Sterculia Monosperma is native to India, Nepal, and Bhutan, where it grows in tropical and subtropical forests. It prefers well-draining soils and can tolerate drought conditions. The tree is also cultivated as an ornamental tree in other parts of the world, including the United States, where it is grown in Florida and California.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Sterculia Monosperma a fast-growing tree?
A: No, the Sterculia Monosperma grows at a moderate rate.
Q: Can the seeds of the Sterculia Monosperma be eaten?
A: Yes, the seeds of the Sterculia Monosperma are edible and are used in traditional medicine.
Q: How often should the Sterculia Monosperma be watered?
A: The Sterculia Monosperma should be watered regularly during the growing season, but should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings.
Q: Does the Sterculia Monosperma require full sunlight?
A: Yes, the Sterculia Monosperma requires full sunlight to grow properly.
Related Plants
- Sterculia Acuminata
- Sterculia Apetala
- Sterculia Chicha
- Sterculia Foetida
References
- “Sterculia monosperma.” Floridata. Accessed August 26, 2021. https://floridata.com/plant/1094.
- “Sterculia monosperma.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 26, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=278468&isprofile=0&basic=Sterculia%20monosperma.
- “Sterculia monosperma.” PlantZAfrica. Accessed August 26, 2021. http://pza.sanbi.org/sterculia-monosperma.
