Amyris elemifera is a species of flowering plant in the citrus family, Rutaceae. Its common names include sea torchwood, smooth torchwood, candlewood, sea amyris, tea, cuabilla, and bois chandelle. It is native to Florida in the United States, the Caribbean, and the Central American countries of Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. It is also known from northern South America. The species name elemifera is from the Greek, meaning "resin bearing".
Sea torchwood is highly resistant to disease and is generally unlikely to be affected by illnesses. Care-wise, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs only minimal watering, and larger specimens typically do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they have finished blooming. Sea torchwood is suitable for anyone with outdoor space, such as a garden or a deck, and does not require much gardening experience.
How to keep Amyris Elemifera.
Light
Sea torchwood is native to open habitats, for example sunny meadows and forest edges, that offer abundant light. It performs best in full sun but can also tolerate partial sun, adapting well to a range of light conditions.
Temperature
Sea torchwood shows good temperature adaptability, tolerating higher heat and wide temperature fluctuations. In hot weather, attention should be paid to watering and providing adequate shade to prevent sunburn. Conversely, Sea torchwood is relatively sensitive to low temperatures. While it can endure some cold, very cold conditions can cause frost damage.
Fertilizer
To encourage healthy growth, fertilize your Sea torchwood in early spring. Regular feeding improves overall health, leading to vigorous growth, increased resilience to harsh conditions, and enhanced resistance to pests and diseases. Adhere to a specific fertilization schedule for your Sea torchwood to keep the foliage vibrant, deeply colored, and lush.
Pruning
Sea torchwood thrives in coastal areas, featuring fragrant leaves and small white flowers. To improve its shape and health, prune it in early spring, removing any dead or crossing branches. Properly thinning older growth encourages new shoots, while avoiding excessive pruning reduces stress, promoting the plant's overall well-being.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Tree
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Amyris
- Family
- Rutaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 10-12
- Mature Height
- 7.92 m to 14.94 m
- Mature Spread
- 3.96 m to 6.1 m
- Leaf Color
- Dark Green
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- White
- Flower Size
- 0.25 cm to 0.51 cm
- Bloom Time
- Late spring, Summer
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Late summer, Fall
- Native Area
- Bahamas, Belize, Cuba, Mexico, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Jamaica
Other names.
