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Description
Vangueria Infausta, also known as the Wild Medlar or the African Medlar, is a species of flowering plant in the family Rubiaceae. It is native to Sub-Saharan Africa, where it can be found in savannas, forest edges, and riverbanks. The plant can grow up to 8 meters tall and produces attractive, fragrant white flowers that bloom from September to November. The fruit of Vangueria Infausta is edible and is used in traditional African medicine to treat various ailments.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Rubiaceae |
| Genus | Vangueria |
Appearance
Vangueria Infausta is a large shrub or small tree that can grow up to 8 meters tall. The leaves are glossy, dark green, and elliptical in shape, measuring 5-15 cm long and 2-8 cm wide. The fragrant white flowers are borne in clusters and bloom from September to November. The fruit is a round, green berry that turns yellow or orange when ripe, measuring 1-3 cm in diameter. The fruit contains a single seed and is edible, with a sweet and sour taste.
Care Guide
Water: Vangueria Infausta prefers moist, well-drained soil. Water regularly, especially during the dry season.Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring.Soil: Vangueria Infausta prefers well-drained, fertile soil. Add compost or other organic matter to improve soil fertility.Sunlight: Vangueria Infausta prefers full sun to partial shade.Hardiness Zones: Vangueria Infausta is hardy to USDA zones 10-12.
Common Pests & Diseases
Vangueria Infausta is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to root rot if the soil is poorly drained. Insects such as aphids, mealybugs, and scale may infest the plant, but can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Vangueria Infausta is native to Sub-Saharan Africa, where it can be found in savannas, forest edges, and riverbanks. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and can grow in full sun to partial shade. The plant is drought-tolerant and can survive in areas with low rainfall.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Vangueria Infausta easy to grow?
A: Vangueria Infausta is relatively easy to grow, as long as it is provided with the right conditions.Q: Can Vangueria Infausta be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Vangueria Infausta can be grown in containers, as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.Q: How often should Vangueria Infausta be fertilized?
A: Vangueria Infausta should be fertilized once a year in the spring.Q: Can Vangueria Infausta be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, Vangueria Infausta can be propagated from cuttings.
Related Plants
- Vangueria Madagascariensis
- Vangueria Pygmaea
- Vangueria Edulis
- Vangueria Insignis
References
- PlantZAfrica: Vangueria Infausta. (n.d.). Retrieved October 3, 2021, from https://www.plantzafrica.com/plantvz/vangueriainfausta.htm
- Wildmedicinalplants.com. (n.d.). Vangueria Infausta. Retrieved October 3, 2021, from https://www.wildmedicinalplants.com/vangueria-infausta.html
- RHS. (n.d.). Vangueria Infausta. Retrieved October 3, 2021, from https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/10247/i-vangueria-infausta-i/details
