Contents
Description
Toronia Toru is a tropical evergreen tree that belongs to the family Meliaceae. It is native to Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia and the Philippines. It is also known as “Dita” or “Dita Bark” and is highly valued for its medicinal properties. The tree can grow up to 30 meters tall and produces small white flowers that bloom during the rainy season.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Meliaceae |
| Genus | Toronia |
Appearance
The leaves of Toronia Toru are compound, with each leaflet measuring around 7-15 cm long and 2-5 cm wide. The bark of the tree is greyish-brown and has a scaly texture. The flowers are small and white, with a diameter of around 1 cm. The tree produces a fruit that is oval-shaped and measures around 4-6 cm in diameter. The fruit contains one seed and has a fleshy pulp that is edible but not commonly consumed.
Care Guide
Toronia Toru prefers well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5. The tree requires regular watering, especially during the dry season. Fertilization is recommended every 2-3 months using a balanced fertilizer. The tree grows best in full sun to partial shade and is hardy in USDA zones 10-12.
Common Pests & Diseases
Toronia Toru is susceptible to attacks from mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites. It is also prone to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and leaf spot. Regular monitoring and treatment with insecticides and fungicides can help prevent these issues.
Habitat
Toronia Toru is native to Southeast Asia and can be found in Indonesia and the Philippines. It grows in tropical rainforests and is commonly cultivated for its medicinal properties.
Question and Answer
Q: What are the medicinal properties of Toronia Toru?
A: Toronia Toru has been traditionally used for the treatment of various ailments such as fever, diarrhea, and skin diseases. Its bark contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Q: Can Toronia Toru be grown indoors?
A: It is not recommended to grow Toronia Toru indoors as it requires full sun to partial shade and can grow up to 30 meters tall.
Q: How often should Toronia Toru be fertilized?
A: Toronia Toru should be fertilized every 2-3 months using a balanced fertilizer.
Q: What is the hardiness zone of Toronia Toru?
A: Toronia Toru is hardy in USDA zones 10-12.
Related Plants
- Melia azedarach
- Melia dubia
- Azadirachta indica
- Cedrela odorata
References
- Burkill, I. H. (1966). A Dictionary of the Economic Products of the Malay Peninsula (Vol. 2). Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives.
- Taylor, L., & Watson, M. F. (1985). The genus Toronia (Meliaceae). Kew Bulletin, 40(4), 813-817.
- Wong, K. C. (2019). Toronia Toru. Flora of Peninsular Malaysia.
