Kleinhovia

Bataria teak (1095214344)

Leaves I IMG 9210

Kleinhovia hospita Blanco2.328

Kleinhovia hospita (Bola) in Hyderabad, AP W IMG 0480

Kleinhovia hospita 5Dsr 3369-01

Pollen grains of Kleinhovia hospita

Kleinhovia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Malvaceae. It is a monotypic genus, containing only one species, Kleinhovia hospita. This plant is native to tropical regions of Asia and the Pacific Islands.

Description

Kleinhovia hospita is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 20 meters in height. The tree has a straight trunk and a broad, spreading crown. The leaves are large, heart-shaped, and have a serrated margin. The flowers are small, pink, and arranged in large, terminal panicles. The fruit is a capsule that contains several seeds.

Habitat

Kleinhovia hospita is typically found in lowland tropical forests, often near rivers and streams. It thrives in well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of soil types, from sandy to clayey. The tree is also known to grow in secondary forests and disturbed areas.

Uses

The wood of Kleinhovia hospita is lightweight and is used locally for making furniture, boxes, and other wooden items. The bark and leaves have medicinal properties and are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. The tree is also planted as an ornamental due to its attractive flowers and foliage.

Cultivation

Kleinhovia hospita can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. It prefers a sunny location and requires regular watering during the establishment period. Once established, the tree is relatively drought-tolerant. It is not commonly cultivated on a large scale but can be found in botanical gardens and as a shade tree in tropical regions.

Related Pages

• Malvaceae
• Tropical forest
• Traditional medicine
• Ornamental plant

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