Contents
Description
Trema Micrantha, commonly known as the African nettle tree, is a plant species that belongs to the Cannabaceae family. It is native to Asia and Africa and is often found in tropical and subtropical regions. The plant is a small to medium-sized tree, which can grow up to 10 meters tall. It has a cylindrical trunk with a grayish-brown bark. The leaves of the plant are simple, alternate, and ovate-shaped, with a serrated margin. The flowers are greenish-white and are arranged in clusters that develop into small berries.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Cannabaceae |
| Genus | Trema |
Appearance
The African nettle tree has a unique appearance that makes it stand out among other plant species. It has a slender trunk with a diameter of about 20-30 centimeters. The bark of the tree is light gray, rough, and flaky. The leaves are ovate-shaped, with a serrated margin, and are dark green in color. The flowers are small and greenish-white, with a pleasant fragrance. The fruits are small, round, and black when mature.
Care Guide
Taking care of the African nettle tree is relatively easy as it can adapt to different climatic conditions. Here are some care tips that will help you maintain a healthy plant:
Water: The African nettle tree requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. Water the plant once a week and ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization: The plant requires regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer once every three months during the growing season.
Soil: The African nettle tree grows well in well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients.
Sunlight: The plant requires full sun to partial shade to grow well.
Hardiness Zones: The African nettle tree can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and can grow in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The African nettle tree is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but it can still be affected by a few. Here are some of the common pests and diseases that affect the plant:
Pests: The plant can be affected by spider mites, thrips, and whiteflies. Use insecticides to control the pests.
Diseases: The African nettle tree can be affected by root rot, leaf spot, and powdery mildew. Use fungicides to control the diseases.
Habitat
The African nettle tree is native to Asia and Africa and is often found in tropical and subtropical regions. It grows well in areas with a warm and humid climate and can be found in forests, woodlands, and along riverbanks.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the average height of the African nettle tree?
A: The African nettle tree can grow up to 10 meters tall.
Q: What is the color of the African nettle tree’s bark?
A: The bark of the African nettle tree is light gray in color.
Q: What is the ideal soil type for the African nettle tree?
A: The African nettle tree grows well in well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients.
Q: What are the common pests that affect the African nettle tree?
A: The African nettle tree can be affected by spider mites, thrips, and whiteflies.
Related Plants
Here are some plants that are related to the African nettle tree:
- Trema tomentosa
- Celtis africana
- Celtis mildbraedii
- Cannabis sativa
References
- “Trema micrantha.” Missouri Botanical Garden, missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c305.
- “Trema micrantha.” Useful Tropical Plants, tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Trema+micrantha.
- “African nettle tree.” Plant Village, plantvillage.psu.edu/topics/african-nettle-tree/infos.
