TopTropicals Plant Catalog

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Adult leaves

Ruizia cordata Family: Malvaceae Ruizia Origin: Reunion Island A small dioceous tree growing to a maximum height of 33 feet which is endemic to Reunion island, as it grows wild only here. It features a highly pronounced heterophylly; the adult leaves are very much dissected whereas the young ones are not and bear a showy silvery color. The flowers are salmon pink. The blackish bark is very cracked, which is another of its decorative features. A few years ago, this species was still endangered, because of environmental pressures and the retrieving of bark for curative use by local herbs-doctors, it is hence protected by law. It is nowaday more and more often found in peoples gardens and is slowly reintroduced in the wild. This plant is a xerophilous one, which means it naturally grows is dry areas, at low elevation. As the seeds are very small, watering must be performed with a mister so as not to have them flying away. The seeds start germinating after 25 to 30 days when kept at 70f, and germination will keep on going for one or two months afterwards. Syn. R. variabilis Jacq., R. lobata Cav., R. palmata Cav., R. laciniat. Link to this plant: http://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/ruizia_cordata.htm

Young leaves

Adult leaves

Young leaves

Young leaves on the front and old ones behind