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Description
Ternstroemia Gymnanthera, also known as the Cleyera, is a flowering evergreen shrub that belongs to the Ternstroemiaceae family. It is native to China, Japan, and Southeast Asia and is a popular ornamental plant in gardens and parks all around the world. The plant can grow up to 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide and has glossy, leathery, dark green leaves that are about 4 inches long. The plant blooms from late spring to early summer with fragrant white flowers that grow in clusters. The fruit is a small purple-black berry that is edible but not commonly eaten.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Ternstroemiaceae |
| Genus | Ternstroemia |
Appearance
The Ternstroemia Gymnanthera is a slow-growing shrub that can reach up to 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide. It has glossy, leathery, dark green leaves that are about 4 inches long and 2 inches wide. The plant blooms from late spring to early summer with fragrant white flowers that grow in clusters. The fruit is a small purple-black berry that is edible but not commonly eaten. The plant is evergreen and retains its leaves year-round.
Care Guide
Water: The Ternstroemia Gymnanthera prefers well-drained soil and should be watered regularly, especially during hot and dry weather. However, it is important not to overwater the plant as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization: The plant should be fertilized in the spring and summer with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing in the fall and winter.
Soil: The plant prefers acidic, well-drained soil. If the soil is not acidic, it can be amended with sulfur or iron sulfate.
Sunlight: The Ternstroemia Gymnanthera prefers partial to full sun but can also grow in partial shade.
Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Ternstroemia Gymnanthera is relatively pest and disease-resistant, but it can still be susceptible to some problems. Common pests include scales and mites, while common diseases include root rot and leaf spot. Proper watering and fertilization can help prevent these problems.
Habitat
The Ternstroemia Gymnanthera is native to China, Japan, and Southeast Asia and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and hillsides. In its natural habitat, the plant can grow up to 30 feet tall.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Ternstroemia Gymnanthera a fast-growing plant?
A: No, the plant is a slow-growing shrub.
Q: Is the fruit of the Ternstroemia Gymnanthera edible?
A: Yes, the fruit is edible but not commonly eaten.
Q: Does the Ternstroemia Gymnanthera prefer full sun or partial shade?
A: The plant prefers partial to full sun but can also grow in partial shade.
Q: What is the hardiness zone of the Ternstroemia Gymnanthera?
A: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Related Plants
- Ternstroemia gymnanthera ‘Variegata’
- Ternstroemia japonica
- Ternstroemia gymnanthera ‘Emerald Isle’
References
- “Ternstroemia Gymnanthera.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287586.
- “Cleyera.” Clemson Cooperative Extension, Clemson University, www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/plants/landscape/shrubs/hgic1070.html.
- “Ternstroemia Gymnanthera.” Plant Care Today, 14 June 2021, plantcaretoday.com/ternstroemia-gymnanthera-care.
