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Description
Streblus Asper, also known as Siamese rough bush, is a small to medium-sized tree that is native to Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and the Philippines. It is a popular ornamental plant due to its unique appearance and hardiness. The tree has a grayish-brown bark that is rough to the touch. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and ovate, measuring 5-12 cm long and 3-8 cm wide. The flowers are tiny and greenish-white, developing into small fruits that turn red when ripe, measuring about 1 cm in diameter.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Moraceae |
| Genus | Streblus |
Appearance
The Streblus Asper tree can grow up to 15 meters tall and 40 cm in diameter. The bark is rough and grayish-brown in color. The leaves are dark green and glossy, with a wavy margin and a pointed tip. The flowers are tiny and greenish-white, clustered in small groups. The fruits are small, about 1 cm in diameter, and turn red when ripe. The tree has a dense crown and can be pruned into a bonsai-like shape, making it a popular ornamental plant for gardens and parks.
Care Guide
Streblus Asper is a hardy plant that can tolerate various growing conditions. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:
- Water: Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
- Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season (spring and summer).
- Soil: Use well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH level should be between 6.0 and 7.5.
- Sunlight: Streblus Asper can tolerate both full sun and partial shade. However, it prefers bright, indirect sunlight.
- Hardiness Zones: This plant can grow in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Streblus Asper is generally a healthy plant, but it can be susceptible to some pests and diseases. Here are some common ones to watch out for:
- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and wilt. Use an insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the infestation.
- Spider Mites: These tiny pests can also suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and develop a fine webbing. Use an insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the infestation.
- Leaf Spot: This fungal disease can cause brown spots to appear on the leaves. Remove the infected leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide.
- Root Rot: Overwatering can cause the roots to rot, leading to wilting and eventual death of the plant. Allow the soil to dry out before watering again.
Habitat
Streblus Asper is native to Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and the Philippines. It grows in various habitats, from lowland rainforests to montane forests. The tree is also commonly found in urban areas as an ornamental plant.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Streblus Asper poisonous?
A: No, Streblus Asper is not toxic to humans or pets.
Q: How often should I water my Streblus Asper?
A: Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Q: Can Streblus Asper grow indoors?
A: Yes, this plant can grow indoors as long as it receives bright, indirect sunlight and is watered regularly.
Q: How tall can Streblus Asper grow?
A: Streblus Asper can grow up to 15 meters tall in the wild, but can be pruned into a smaller size for cultivation in gardens and parks.
Related Plants
- Streblus Bursinus
- Streblus Hemsleyanus
- Streblus Indicus
- Streblus Japonicus
References
- “Streblus Asper.” Floridata. Accessed 26 September 2021. https://floridata.com/plant/1610
- “Streblus Asper.” Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk (PIER). Accessed 26 September 2021. https://www.hear.org/pier/species/streblus_asper.htm
- “Streblus Asper.” Plants of the World Online. Accessed 26 September 2021. http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:85372-1
