The Terminalia Variegata is a large, evergreen tree that can grow up to 30m tall. It has a wide, spreading crown and a straight, cylindrical trunk. The bark is dark brown to black in colour and is smooth with a few vertical fissures. The leaves are simple, alternate and oblong-elliptical in shape with a blunt or rounded apex. They are dark green in colour with a paler green midrib and yellow-green margins. The flowers are small, white and borne in axillary panicles. The fruits are oval, dark brown capsules that contain 3-5 seeds.
How to care:
The Terminalia Variegata is a relatively low-maintenance tree and does not require much care once it is established. It is drought-tolerant and can tolerate poor soils, but it prefers well-drained, sandy soils. It is also salt-tolerant, making it a good choice for coastal areas. It should be watered regularly during the first few years after planting to help it establish a deep root system. Once it is established, it will need little supplemental watering. It should be fertilised annually with a general-purpose fertilizer. It can be pruned to shape if necessary, but it does not require regular pruning.
Water requirment:
The Terminalia Variegata requires regular watering during the first few years after planting to help it establish a deep root system. Once it is established, it will need little supplemental watering.
Fertilizer requirment:
It should be fertilised annually with a general-purpose fertilizer.
Pruning:
It can be pruned to shape if necessary, but it does not require regular pruning.
Type of soil:
The Terminalia Variegata prefers well-drained, sandy soils.
Propagation
The Terminalia Variegata can be propagated from seed or cuttings.
To propagate from seed, the seeds should be scarified and soaked in water for 24 hours before planting. They should be planted in well-drained, sandy soil at a depth of 2-3cm. The seedlings should be kept moist until they are established.
To propagate from cuttings, take semi-ripe cuttings from the tips of the branches in late summer or early autumn. The cuttings should be 10-15cm long and have 2-3 leaves. Plant the cuttings in well-drained, sandy soil at a depth of 5-8cm. The cuttings should be kept moist until they are established.
Pest and disease problems
The Terminalia Variegata is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to scale insects and mealybugs. It can also be affected by root rot if it is grown in poorly-drained soils.
Landscape use:
The Terminalia Variegata is a good choice for use as a shade tree or a windbreak. It can also be used as a street tree or in large, open spaces.