Callicarpa americana is often sold by plant hunters in the Philippines. Unfortunately it is doubtful that is the correct plant. The Philippines has many varieties of Callicarpa but amricana is not assumed to be one of them.
Bascially, just another marketing scam that hunters use to sell a plant. Maybe scam is a harsh way to phrase it as it could be from just a lack of knowledge that the hunters posess. They label it americana to give it a name in the hopes they can sell it to any buyer that, like me, just is not aware of what they offer.
While I am not ready to say the plants I received are NOT americana, it definitely warrants a thorough investigation as that plant is just not known to exist in the Philippines. Maybe this will be found to be Callicarpa erioclona (tubang-dalag) or Callicarpa pendunculata, or who knows which ones I have.
Another unfortunate mystery, but I like mysteries. I am going to work my plants through descriptions of basilanensi, erioclona,and pendunculata which seem the most reasonable species.
Callicarpa americana specifics
- Core Identification & Taxonomy
- Scientific Name: Callicarpa americana
- Common Name: American Beautyberry
- Family: Lamiaceae
- Varietals:
- Habitat/Range: Southern United States
- Morphology & Characteristics
- Growth Habit:
- Leaves:
- Flowers:
- Fruit/Seed:
- Stem/Bark:
- Growth:
- Bonsai Notes
- Sun Exposure:
- Water Use: .
- Soil Mix: Limestone (anapog), Akadama, Pumice, Lava Rock
- Fertilizing: balanced fertilizer every 4 weeks (spring through autumn). .
- Styling and Maintenance
- Pruning: Regular pruning is essential.
- Defoliation:
- Wiring:
Gallery images
Firstly, we are uploading pictures of our plants to show the parts of a plant that may help in identification. Secondly, we only have so many plants and my photography skills are not actually skillful. Finally, if it would help to see another angle or view, view us a message and we will attempt to get the right picture perspective.
