Flacourtia indica, commonly known as Governor’s Plum or Indian Plum, is a spiny evergreen shrub or small tree that can grow up to 15 meters tall. This species is native to tropical and temperate regions of Africa and Asia, including countries like Ethiopia, India, China, and Southeast Asia. The trunk and branches are often covered with sharp spines, and the bark is greyish-brown. The tree produces small, white to greenish flowers in clusters, which are often fragrant. The fruit is a small, round, red to purple berry, about 2-3 cm in diameter. It is edible and has a sweet-tart flavor.
Flacourtia indica is a versatile tree that thrives in seasonally dry tropical biomes, often found in mixed deciduous forests, savannas, and along riverbanks. Its ability to tolerate a range of temperatures, rainfall, and soil types makes it a valuable species in arid and semi-arid regions.
Habitat
Flacourtia indica typically grows in seasonally dry tropical biomes, often found in mixed deciduous forests, savannas, and along riverbanks.
Planting and Care
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Sunlight: Prefers full sun but can also grow in partial shade.
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Soil: Grows well in a variety of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clayey soils.
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Temperature: Thrives in areas where the annual daytime temperatures range from 22°C to 40°C, but can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C and as high as 48°C.
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Rainfall: Prefers a mean annual rainfall between 750 mm and 1,400 mm but can tolerate a range from 500 mm to 2,000 mm.
Additional Information
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Wildlife Habitat: Provides habitat and food for various wildlife, including birds and insects. Its fruits are particularly attractive to birds, which help in seed dispersal.
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Drought Resistance: The species is drought-resistant, making it valuable in arid and semi-arid regions.
