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Pleiocarpa mutica

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Pleiocarpa mutica Benth.

Family Name: Apocynaceae
Common Name: Kanwene

Name

Family Name
Genus Epithet
Species Epithet
Name Authority
Name Status (botanical)
Common Names
Comments

Classifications and Characteristics

Plant Growth Form Tree, Shrub
Mode of Nutrition Autotrophic
Maximum Height 7.5 m

Biogeography

Native Distribution Tropical Africa
Native Habitat Terrestrial
Preferred Climate Zone Tropical
Local Conservation Status Non-native

Description and Ethnobotany

Growth Form Large shrub or small tree with rounded growth habit, able to grow up to 8 m tall.
Trunk Bark is smooth and dark brown to pale grey, trunk diameter measuring about 1.5 - 5 cm.
Foliage Opposite, glossy leaves are oblong to elliptic with entire leaf margin (5 - 20 cm long, 2 - 8 cm wide), petiole measuring about 5 - 15 mm long, surface of leaves glabrous.
Flowers White, salverform flowers are star-shaped, having 5 oblong lobes connected to a cylindrical tube, very fragrant. Flowers are borne directly on the branches and woody stems.
Fruit Dry, dehiscent fruits are known as follicles. Fruits are round to ellipsoid and each contains a single seed. Fruit measuring about 13.5 - 20 mm long, seed is brown, globose to oblong, measuring about 7.5 - 12 mm long.
Habitat Found in primary and secondary forests near swamps and rivers.
Cultivation Plant this species in full sun for optimal flowering, but it is tolerant of partial shade. This species is tolerant of waterlogged soils, but it is better to plant in fertile, well-drained soil. Mulch the plants with compost to prevent the soil from drying out or the roots from overheating. Feed plants with a fertilizer rich in phosphorous to promote flowering. Avoid using nitrogen rich fertilizers, because they encourage development of leaves rather than flowers. Try not to prune this species frequently, because flowers are produced from the new growth. 
Etymology Genus Pleiocarpa means free-fruiting. 

Landscaping Features

Landscaping This species would make an attractive, informal hedge or screen.
Desirable Plant Features Ornamental Flowers, Fragrant
Landscape Uses Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens

Plant Care and Propagation

Light Preference Semi-Shade, Full Sun
Water Preference Moderate Water
Plant Growth Rate Moderate
Rootzone Tolerance Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils, Fertile Loamy Soils
Propagation Method Stem Cutting

Foliar

Mature Foliage Colour(s) Green
Mature Foliage Texture(s) Smooth, Glossy / Shiny
Foliar Type Simple / Unifoliate
Foliar Attachment to Stem Petiolate
Foliar Margin Entire
Foliar Apex - Tip Acuminate
Foliar Base Cuneate, Rounded / Obtuse
Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio 3.0 (Tree - Intermediate Canopy)

Floral (Angiosperm)

Flower Colour(s) White
Flower Grouping Cluster / Inflorescence

Fruit, Seed and Spore

Mature Fruit Colour(s) Yellow / Golden
Mature Seed Colour(s) Brown

Image Repository

Images

Others

Master ID 1777
Species ID 3070
Flora Disclaimer The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes.
Species record last updated on: 28 August 2024.
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