Contents
Description
Tetradium is a genus of plants that belongs to the Rutaceae family. It is commonly known as bee tree or Korean evodia. These deciduous trees are native to Asia, particularly China, Korea, and Japan. They grow up to 20 meters tall and have a rounded shape. Tetradium blooms in the summer with small white flowers that attract bees and other pollinators. The fruit it produces is a small capsule that contains several small seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Rutaceae |
| Genus | Tetradium |
Appearance
Tetradium has a distinctive appearance with its smooth gray bark and compound leaves that have a fern-like appearance. The leaves are dark green in color and can turn yellow or red in the fall. The small white flowers grow in clusters and have a pleasant fragrance. The fruit is a small capsule that turns from green to red as it matures.
Care Guide
Tetradium is a hardy tree that can tolerate a range of growing conditions. Here are some tips on how to care for it:
Water: Tetradium needs regular watering during the growing season, but it can tolerate some drought.
Fertilization: Fertilize Tetradium in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Soil: Tetradium prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Sunlight: Tetradium grows best in full sun, but it can tolerate some shade.
Hardiness Zones: Tetradium is hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Tetradium is generally pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to scale insects and spider mites. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Tetradium can also be affected by fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and verticillium wilt. These diseases can be prevented by practicing good sanitation and avoiding overhead watering.
Habitat
Tetradium is native to Asia, particularly China, Korea, and Japan. It grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, hillsides, and riverbanks. Tetradium is often planted as an ornamental tree in gardens and parks.
Question and Answer
Q: How tall does Tetradium grow?
A: Tetradium can grow up to 20 meters tall.
Q: What is the best time to prune Tetradium?
A: Tetradium is best pruned in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Q: Is Tetradium drought-tolerant?
A: Tetradium can tolerate some drought, but it needs regular watering during the growing season.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Tetradium?
A: Tetradium is hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Tetradium:
- Phellodendron
- Zanthoxylum
- Ruta
- Citrus
References
- “Tetradium.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/plantfinder/plantfindersearch.aspx?taxonid=287446. Accessed 22 Sept. 2021.
- “Tetradium.” PlantNet, planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/Interpreting?relativeTo=North%20America&imageVersion=2&PHZMCode=7,8,9,6,5,4,3,2,1,10,11,12&PHZMName=&PHZMFamily=Rutaceae&PHZMNames=&PHZMFamilyList=Rutaceae&PHZMCodeList=7,8,9,6,5,4,3,2,1,10,11,12&PHZMNamesList=&PHZMFamilyCount=1&PHZMCodeCount=12&PHZMNamesCount=0. Accessed 22 Sept. 2021.
- “Korean Evodia.” Dave’s Garden, www.davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/107444/. Accessed 22 Sept. 2021.
