Andesanthus lepidotus

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Andesanthus lepidotus
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Myrtales
Family: Melastomataceae
Genus: Andesanthus
Species:
A. lepidotus
Binomial name
Andesanthus lepidotus
(Humb. & Bonpl.) P.J.F.Guim. & Michelang.[1]
Synonyms[1]
  • Chaetogastra lepidota (Humb. & Bonpl.) DC.
  • Pleroma lepidotum (Humb. & Bonpl.) Triana
  • Rhexia lepidota Bonpl.
  • Tibouchina lepidota (Humb. & Bonpl.) Baill.

Andesanthus lepidotus,

ornamental tree or a large shrub native to northwestern South America that is cultivated for its masses of purple flowers from autumn right through to winter.[2]

Description

Flower close-up.

The plant is usually between 5 metres (16 ft) to 12 metres (39 ft) tall, but can be as tall as 20 metres (66 ft), creating a vase shape with a spread rounded crown and thick, ligneous, branching stems. The trunk measures up to 80 centimetres (31 in) in diameter at its base, with reddish. flaking bark.[citation needed]

The

serrated edge, rounded base and a blunt tip. They measure 8 centimetres (3.1 in) long and 4 centimetres (1.6 in) wide. As the leaves age, they turn crimson and are covered by small scales that are brown in colour.[3]

Inflorescence

The flowers range from

axils. Flowering occurs from late summer to late autumn in the southern hemisphere.[4]

The plant

Distribution

Andesanthus lepidotus is native to the

temperate and cool thermal floors.[6] It is also found in Panama.[1]

Cultivation

Andesanthus lepidotus is used as an ornamental plant for its violet coloured flowers. Thriving in full sun to part shade, it is planted in parks,

public squares, and gardens. Its wood is used in the manufacture of fencing posts, tool handles, furniture and firewood. It is to be pruned after flowering to encourage dense, bushy growth. It may not withstand severe frost or drought, but may still survive in cooler areas provided that it is sheltered and if it is watered regularly if in dry conditions. It is propagated by means of seeds.[7]

Cultivars

Andesanthus lepidotus 'Alstonville' is a common

garden beds or as a low hedge. Some may only flower in the warmer months.[8]

In Australia, both this species and Pleroma heteromallum (syn. Tibouchina grandiflora) (including its cultivars) are commonly known as lasiandra. They are in the same family (Melastomataceae) as a native shrub Melastoma affine, which is known as native lasiandra.[citation needed]

Gallery

  • Bunch of flowers
    Bunch of flowers
  • Budding flowers
    Budding flowers
  • Flowers and leaves
    Flowers and leaves
  • A variety with red and purple flowers
    A variety with red and purple flowers
  • Native habitat
    Native habitat
  • Leaves close up
    Leaves close up
  • Branch and flowers
    Branch and flowers
  • A shrubby specimen
    A shrubby specimen

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Andesanthus lepidotus (Humb. & Bonpl.) P.J.F.Guim. & Michelang". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 2022-05-05.
  2. ^ Tibouchina Fact Sheet by ABC Australia. Retrieved 2 April, 2020
  3. ^ Mahecha G., Ovalle A., Camelo D., Rozo A., Barrero D. (2004) Vegetation of the CAR territory. 450 species of its plains and mountains Bogotá, Colombia 871pp
  4. ^ Tibouchina lepidota 'Alstonville' Tibouchina Alstonville, Glory Bush by Alpine Nurseries. Retrieved 2 April, 2020
  5. ^ TIBOUCHINA LEPIDOTA ALSTONVILLE
  6. ^ Todzia, C. A., & Almeda Jr, F. 1991. A revision of Tibouchina section Lepidotae (Melastomataceae: Tibouchineae). Proceedings of the California Academy of Sciences., 47(6): 175-206
  7. ^ Rodríguez-RJO, Peña-SJR, Plata-RE (1984) Flora de los Andes. One hundred species from the Cundi-Boyacense Altiplano, Bogotá, Colombia 247pp
  8. ^ Tibouchina by FlowerPower. Retrieved 2 April, 2020