Contents
Description
Triphasia is a genus of plants that belongs to the citrus family, Rutaceae. It is native to Southeast Asia and is commonly found in Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia. The plant is also known as Triphasia trifolia or limeberry, which refers to its small, round, and tart fruits that resemble miniature limes. Triphasia is a small shrub that grows up to 10 feet tall and is often grown as an ornamental plant in gardens due to its attractive foliage and fruit.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Rutaceae |
| Genus | Triphasia |
Appearance
Triphasia has glossy, dark green leaves that are trifoliate, which means they have three leaflets. The leaves are about 1-2 inches long and 0.5-1 inch wide. The plant produces small, white, fragrant flowers that are about 0.5 inches in diameter. The fruits of Triphasia are small, round, and green when young, turning yellow when ripe. They are about the size of a marble, with a thin rind and juicy pulp that is tart and acidic.
Care Guide
Triphasia is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for your Triphasia:
- Water: Triphasia prefers moist but well-draining soil. Water your plant regularly, but make sure not to overwater it as this can lead to root rot.
- Fertilization: Fertilize your Triphasia with a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 months during the growing season.
- Soil: Triphasia prefers slightly acidic soil that is rich in organic matter. Use a well-draining potting mix for container-grown plants.
- Sunlight: Triphasia prefers full sun to partial shade. Place your plant in a location that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
- Hardiness Zones: Triphasia is hardy in USDA zones 9-11. If you live in a colder climate, grow your plant in a container that can be moved indoors during the winter months.
Common Pests & Diseases
Triphasia is generally a pest- and disease-resistant plant. However, it can be affected by the following:
- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects can suck the sap from Triphasia leaves, causing them to curl and yellow. Control aphids by spraying your plant with a mixture of water and dish soap.
- Scale insects: These insects attach themselves to the stems and leaves of Triphasia and can cause yellowing and stunted growth. Control scale insects by wiping them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
- Citrus canker: This bacterial disease can cause yellowing and defoliation of Triphasia leaves, as well as lesions on the fruit. Control citrus canker by removing infected plant parts and spraying your plant with copper-based fungicides.
Habitat
Triphasia is native to Southeast Asia and is commonly found in Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia. It grows in tropical and subtropical regions and prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. Triphasia is often grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and is also cultivated for its fruit.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Triphasia be grown in a container?
A: Yes, Triphasia can be grown in a container as long as it has good drainage and is filled with a well-draining potting mix.
Q: When should I prune my Triphasia?
A: Prune your Triphasia in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or diseased branches and shape the plant as desired.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Triphasia?
A: Fertilize your Triphasia every 2-3 months during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Can Triphasia survive winter in USDA zone 8?
A: No, Triphasia is only hardy in USDA zones 9-11. If you live in a colder climate, grow your plant in a container that can be moved indoors during the winter months.
Related Plants
- Citrus aurantiifolia
- Citrus limon
- Citrus paradisi
- Citrus reticulata
References
- “Triphasia trifolia.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 30, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287868&isprofile=0&basic=triphasia.
- “Triphasia trifolia.” Plantz Africa. Accessed August 30, 2021. http://pza.sanbi.org/triphasia-trifolia.
- “Triphasia trifolia.” World Checklist of Selected Plant Families. Accessed August 30, 2021. http://wcsp.science.kew.org/namedetail.do?name_id=212526.
