Trema
Contents
Description
Trema is a genus of trees and shrubs that belongs to the family Cannabaceae. There are about 26 species of Trema, which are native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Americas. The common name for Trema is “the useful tree” because it has a wide range of uses. Trema trees are used for timber, medicine, and food. In addition, they are also planted for reforestation and erosion control.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Cannabaceae |
| Genus | Trema |
Appearance
Trema trees vary in size from small shrubs to large trees up to 25 meters in height. The leaves are alternate and simple, with serrated margins. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, and the fruit is a small, round drupe that turns from green to red or black when ripe. The bark of Trema trees is smooth and grey, and it peels off in thin flakes.
Care Guide
Trema trees are relatively easy to care for. They prefer moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. They are also tolerant of a wide range of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. Trema trees should be watered regularly during the growing season, but they don’t like to be waterlogged. Fertilizer can be applied in the spring and summer to promote growth. Trema trees are hardy in USDA zones 9 to 12.
Common Pests & Diseases
Trema trees are relatively pest and disease-resistant, but they can be affected by some common problems. The most common pests that attack Trema trees include mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites. These pests can be controlled by using insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. The most common diseases that affect Trema trees include leaf spot, powdery mildew, and root rot. These diseases can be prevented by maintaining good sanitation practices and providing adequate air circulation around the tree.
Habitat
Trema trees are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, savannas, and wetlands. They are most commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, including Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Americas. Trema trees are often planted for reforestation and erosion control because they are fast-growing and can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: What is Trema used for?
A: Trema trees are used for timber, medicine, and food. They are also planted for reforestation and erosion control.
Q: Where are Trema trees found?
A: Trema trees are found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, including Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Americas.
Q: What pests and diseases affect Trema trees?
A: Trema trees can be affected by mealybugs, scale insects, spider mites, leaf spot, powdery mildew, and root rot.
Q: What care do Trema trees need?
A: Trema trees prefer moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. They should be watered regularly and fertilized in the spring and summer. They are hardy in USDA zones 9 to 12.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Trema:
- Celtis
- Hemp
- Mulberry
- Hackberry
- Hops
References
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trema
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/trema/useful-tree-information.htm
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/trema
- https://www.tropicos.org/name/40015528?tab=synonyms
