Status:
valid
Authors:
A.Gray
Source:
tro
Year:
1853
Citation Micro:
Smithsonian Contr. Knowl. 5(6): 35 (1853)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001292673
Common Names
- Evergreen Mortonia
- Mortonia sempervirens
- Evergreen Mortonia Plant
Description
Mortonia sempervirens (also called Evergreen Mortonia, among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant in the Celastraceae family. It is a small tree or shrub, usually growing to a height of 5–7 m. It is native to Central America and northern South America. It is found in tropical and subtropical moist forests, as well as in disturbed sites.
Uses & Benefits
Mortonia sempervirens is an ornamental plant used in gardens and parks. It has a moderate growth rate and can be used as a hedge or a screen. It is also used for erosion control and as a windbreak.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Mortonia sempervirens has small, white, bell-shaped flowers with five petals. Its seeds are small and black in color. The seedlings are small and covered in fine hairs.
Cultivation and Propagation
Mortonia sempervirens is a fast-growing evergreen shrub that can reach up to 6 feet tall. It is native to Mexico and Central America and is hardy in USDA zones 9-11. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Propagation is done by seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a warm, moist environment and kept at a temperature of 70-75°F. Cuttings should be taken from semi-ripe wood in the summer and rooted in a warm, moist environment.
Where to Find Mortonia sempervirens
Mortonia sempervirens is native to the United States and can be found in the states of Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico.
Mortonia sempervirens FAQ
What is the growth rate of Mortonia sempervirens?
Mortonia sempervirens is a slow-growing plant.
What is the soil type of Mortonia sempervirens?
Mortonia sempervirens prefers sandy, well-drained soils.
What is the light requirement of Mortonia sempervirens?
Mortonia sempervirens prefers full sun to partial shade.
Species in the Mortonia genus
Species in the Celastraceae family
Acanthothamnus aphyllus,
Allocassine laurifolia,
Anthodon decussatus,
Anthodon panamense,
Apatophyllum constablei,
Apatophyllum flavovirens,
Apatophyllum macgillivrayi,
Apatophyllum olsenii,
Apatophyllum teretifolium,
Apodostigma pallens,
Arnicratea cambodiana,
Arnicratea ferruginea,
Bequaertia mucronata,
Brassiantha pentamera,
Brassiantha hedraiantheroides,
Brexia alaticarpa,
Brexia australis,
Brexia madagascariensis,
Brexia marioniae,
Brexiella cymosa,
Brexiella ilicifolia,
Campylostemon angolense,
Campylostemon bequaertii,
Campylostemon danckelmannianus,
Campylostemon laurentii,
Campylostemon lindequistianus,
Campylostemon mitophorus,
Campylostemon warneckeanum,
Canotia holacantha,
Canotia wendtii,
Cassine albens,
Cassine balae,
Cassine burkeana,
Cassine congylos,
Cassine grossa,
Cassine kedarnathii,
Cassine koordersii,
Cassine megaphylla,
Cassine micrantha,
Cassine obiensis,
Cassine parvifolia,
Cassine peragua,
Cassine kamurensis,
Catha edulis,
Celastrus aculeatus,
Celastrus angulata,
Celastrus australis,
Celastrus caseariifolius,
Celastrus cuneatus,
Celastrus flagellaris,