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Description
Weinmannia Samoensis, commonly known as Samoan Tava, is a species of flowering plant in the family Cunoniaceae. It is native to Samoa and can be found in the moist forests of the island. This plant is a small evergreen tree that can grow up to 10 meters tall. It has a straight trunk and a dense crown of leaves, which makes it an ideal ornamental plant.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Oxalidales |
| Family | Cunoniaceae |
| Genus | Weinmannia |
Appearance
The leaves of Weinmannia Samoensis are dark green and glossy, and they are arranged alternately on the branches. The flowers are small and white, and they appear in clusters at the end of the branches. The fruit is a small capsule that contains several seeds. The bark of the tree is smooth and grayish-brown in color, and it peels off in thin strips as the tree grows.
Care Guide
Weinmannia Samoensis is a relatively easy plant to care for, but it does require some attention to thrive. Here are some care tips:
- Water: This plant requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.
- Soil: This plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: Weinmannia Samoensis prefers partial shade to full sun.
- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 10-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Weinmannia Samoensis is relatively pest and disease-resistant, but it can still be affected by some common problems:
- Scale insects: These insects can infest the leaves and branches of the plant, causing yellowing and wilting. Use insecticidal soap to control the infestation.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes brown spots to develop on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and treat with a fungicide.
Habitat
Weinmannia Samoensis is native to Samoa, where it grows in the moist forests of the island. It prefers well-drained soil and partial shade to full sun.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Weinmannia Samoensis a good indoor plant?
A: No, this plant is not suitable for indoor cultivation as it requires a lot of sunlight and space to grow.
Q: Can Weinmannia Samoensis tolerate cold temperatures?
A: No, this plant is not frost-tolerant and should be grown in a warm environment.
Q: How often should I fertilize Weinmannia Samoensis?
A: Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season.
Q: Can Weinmannia Samoensis be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, this plant can be propagated from stem cuttings taken in the spring.
Related Plants
- Weinmannia Trichosperma
- Weinmannia Pinnata
- Weinmannia Fruticosa
References
- “Weinmannia samoensis.” Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk (PIER). http://www.hear.org/pier/species/weinmannia_samoensis.htm.
- “Weinmannia samoensis.” Plants of the World Online. http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:612611-1.
