Sideroxylon spinosum, known as argan, synonym Argania spinosa, is a species of flowering plant. It is a tree native to the calcareous semi-desert Sous valley and to the Chiadma and Haha regions of Morocco, as well as some parts of Tindouf Province in southwestern Algeria, and also to Mauritania and Western Sahara. Argan trees grow to 8–10 m (26–33 ft) high and live up to approximately 200 years. They are thorny, with gnarled trunks and wide spreading crown. The crown has a circumference of up to 70 m (230 ft) and the branches may lean towards the ground.
Governor's plum has good resistance to disease and is generally not prone to illnesses. In terms of care, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. When planted outdoors it needs only minimal watering, and larger plants usually do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they have bloomed. Governor's plum is suitable for anyone with outdoor space, such as a garden or deck, and does not demand a great deal of care experience.
How to keep Sideroxylon Spinosum.
Light
Governor's plum requires an optimal duration of sunlight to promote rapid growth and fruiting. Its native habitat has abundant, unobstructed light, which explains the plant's adaptation. Excessive or insufficient sunlight can impair its healthy development, causing either stunted growth or sunburn.
Temperature
Governor's plum is native to areas with moderate temperatures and does best in a range of 68 to 100.4 °F (20 to 38 °C). As temperatures shift with the seasons, alter its environment to imitate its native climate.
Fertilizer
Use organic fertilizers (e.g., fish emulsion or compost) instead of chemical fertilizers for Governor's plum. Give young plants higher nitrogen and phosphorus in spring. Incorporate compost or fertilizer into the soil before or after planting. For mature plants, apply a balanced fertilizer in spring or one targeted to specific deficiencies. Nutrient deficiency causes small leaves, short branches, yellow or bronze foliage, acidic fruits, premature fruit drop, and splitting.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Tree, Shrub
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Sideroxylon
- Family
- Sapotaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 10-11
- Mature Height
- 7.62 m to 15.24 m
- Mature Spread
- 2.13 m to 4.88 m
- Leaf Color
- Dark Green, Forest Green
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
- Flower Color
- White
- Flower Size
- 0.51 cm
- Bloom Time
- Mid spring, Late spring
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall
- Native Area
- Sri Lanka, Burkina Faso, Somalia, India, Malaysia, Angola, Namibia, Madagascar, Timor-Leste, Rwanda, Pakistan, Nigeria, Eritrea, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Benin, Sierra Leone, Indonesia, Cambodia, Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, Mozambique, Ghana, Ethiopia, Botswana, Congo, Nepal, Malawi, Central African Republic, South Africa, Zambia, Sudan, Philippines, Laos, Guinea, Chad, China, Vietnam, Myanmar, Togo, Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, Congo (DRC), Thailand, Gabon
Other names.
