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Description
Symplocos Tinctoria, also known as Lodhra, is a medium-sized evergreen tree that belongs to the Symplocaceae family. The tree is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, including India, China, and Vietnam. The plant has a variety of traditional medicinal uses, including treating digestive disorders, skin diseases, and menstrual problems.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Symplocaceae |
| Genus | Symplocos |
Appearance
Symplocos Tinctoria has a straight trunk with a diameter of 30-60 cm and can grow up to 20 meters in height. The bark of the tree is dark brown, rough, and has deep vertical cracks. The leaves are simple, alternate, and elliptical in shape, with a length of 5-12 cm and a width of 2.5-6 cm. The flowers are small, greenish-yellow, and arranged in axillary or terminal clusters. The fruits are small, round, and yellowish-brown in color, containing a single seed.
Care Guide
Symplocos Tinctoria requires moderate care to grow healthy and strong. Here is a detailed care guide for the plant:Water: The plant prefers moist soil and requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. However, overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s essential to ensure that the soil is well-drained.Fertilization: The plant benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. It’s recommended to apply fertilizer once a month.Soil: The plant prefers well-drained, acidic soil, rich in organic matter. It’s best to avoid heavy clay soils.Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full sun exposure. However, it’s essential to protect the plant from strong winds and frost.Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Symplocos Tinctoria is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including leaf spot, powdery mildew, and root rot. Here is a detailed guide on how to identify and treat common pests and diseases:Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that appears as small, circular spots on the leaves. To treat leaf spot, remove and destroy infected leaves, and apply a fungicide.Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves. To treat powdery mildew, remove and destroy infected leaves, and apply a fungicide.Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, causing them to rot and turn brown. To treat root rot, remove and destroy infected roots, and apply a fungicide.
Habitat
Symplocos Tinctoria is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, including India, China, and Vietnam. The plant prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade to full sun exposure. It’s commonly found in forests, hillsides, and riverbanks.
Question and Answer
Q: What are the traditional medicinal uses of Symplocos Tinctoria?
A: Symplocos Tinctoria has a variety of traditional medicinal uses, including treating digestive disorders, skin diseases, and menstrual problems.Q: How tall can Symplocos Tinctoria grow?
A: Symplocos Tinctoria can grow up to 20 meters in height.Q: What is the best soil for Symplocos Tinctoria?
A: Symplocos Tinctoria prefers well-drained, acidic soil, rich in organic matter.Q: What hardiness zones is Symplocos Tinctoria hardy in?
A: Symplocos Tinctoria is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Symplocos Tinctoria:
- Symplocos Racemosa
- Symplocos Cochinchinensis
- Symplocos Crataegoides
- Symplocos Paniculata
References
- Rao, K. N., & Rao, B. N. (1990). Symplocos tinctoria L. – an overview. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 30(3), 245-262.
- Sharma, P., & Meena, S. (2019). Symplocos tinctoria: a review of its phytochemistry, pharmacology, and traditional uses. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 232, 1-18.
- USDA Plants Database. (n.d.). Symplocos tinctoria L. Retrieved June 28, 2021, from https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=SYTI
