Contents
Description
Terminalia Sericea, also known as Silver Terminalia or Silver Cluster-Leaf, is a small to medium-sized tree that belongs to the Combretaceae family. This evergreen tree is native to Africa and is known for its striking foliage that makes it a popular choice for ornamental purposes. The tree’s leaves are silvery-grey in color and have a silky texture that adds to its aesthetic appeal.
Taxonomic Information
Domain: Eukarya
Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Myrtales
Family: Combretaceae
Genus: Terminalia
Appearance
Terminalia Sericea is a small to medium-sized tree that can grow up to 16 meters tall. The tree’s leaves are oblong in shape and measure about 3-12 cm long and 1-4 cm wide. The leaves are silvery-grey in color and have a silky texture that makes them stand out. The tree’s flowers are small and white, and they grow in clusters. The fruit of the tree is a small drupe that turns brown when ripe.
Care Guide
Water: Terminalia Sericea requires regular watering, especially during the dry season. It is important to ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization: The tree requires regular fertilization to thrive. A balanced fertilizer with equal portions of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is ideal.
Soil: Terminalia Sericea prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should have a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
Sunlight: The tree prefers full sunlight but can also grow in partial shade.
Hardiness Zones: Terminalia Sericea can grow in hardiness zones 10-12.
Common Pests & Diseases
Terminalia Sericea is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to leaf spot, root rot, and scale insects. Leaf spot can be treated with fungicides, while root rot can be prevented by ensuring proper drainage. Scale insects can be controlled using insecticides or by wiping them off with a damp cloth.
Habitat
Terminalia Sericea is native to Africa and can be found in various regions, including Angola, Botswana, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. The tree grows in a range of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and savannas.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Terminalia Sericea a fast-growing tree?
A: No, Terminalia Sericea is not a fast-growing tree. It has a moderate growth rate.
Q: Can Terminalia Sericea grow in containers?
A: Yes, Terminalia Sericea can grow in containers, but it may not reach its full potential in terms of height and spread.
Q: Is Terminalia Sericea tolerant of drought?
A: Yes, Terminalia Sericea is tolerant of drought, but it requires regular watering to thrive.
Q: Does Terminalia Sericea have any medicinal properties?
A: Yes, Terminalia Sericea is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including diarrhea, dysentery, and malaria.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants that you may also be interested in:
- Terminalia Catappa
- Terminalia Arjuna
- Terminalia Chebula
- Terminalia Ferdinandiana
References
- https://www.worldagroforestry.org/treedb2/speciesprofile.php?Spid=1849
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/terminalia-sericea
- https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Terminalia+sericea
