Angiosperms (Flowering Plants) • Earth.com

Princess flower

(Tibouchina urvilleana)

galery
en

Description

Tibouchina urvilleana, also known as Princess Flower, is a popular tropical plant species that belongs to the Melastomataceae family. This shrub or small tree is native to Brazil but is also widely cultivated in many parts of the world for its stunningly beautiful flowers. In this article, we will delve into the various aspects of Tibouchina urvilleana, including its taxonomy, morphology, cultivation, propagation, and common uses. Taxonomy: The scientific name of Tibouchina urvilleana was first described by Jean Baptiste Christophore Fusée Aublet in 1775. The genus Tibouchina has over 350 species, most of which are native to South America, while a few are native to the Caribbean and some Pacific islands. The name Tibouchina is derived from the indigenous Tupi-Guarani language of Brazil, where it refers to a type of small tree. The species name urvilleana is in honor of Charles Victor Naudin, a French botanist who lived in the 19th century. Morphology: Tibouchina urvilleana is a deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub or small tree that can grow up to 4-6 meters tall in its native habitat but is usually smaller in cultivation. Its leaves are simple, opposite, and elliptical to ovate, with a velvety texture on both surfaces, and can grow up to 15 cm long and 10 cm wide. The flowers are the main attraction of this plant and are large, showy, and trumpet-shaped, with five petals and a prominent calyx. They can be up to 10 cm in diameter and come in shades of deep violet to lavender, but some cultivars may have white, pink, or magenta flowers. The flowering season typically lasts from summer to autumn, but the plant may bloom sporadically throughout the year. Cultivation: Tibouchina urvilleana is a tropical plant that thrives in warm and humid conditions. It prefers a well-drained, fertile soil that is slightly acidic, with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. The plant needs a lot of water during the growing season, but care should be taken not to overwater it, as this can lead to root rot. It also requires full sun to partial shade, with at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day. In areas with colder climates, the plant can be grown in a greenhouse or as a houseplant. It is also essential to protect it from frost and strong winds, which can damage the plant. Propagation: Tibouchina urvilleana can be propagated by seed or vegetative methods. The seeds are small and can be sown in a well-draining potting mix and kept in a warm and humid environment until they germinate. Vegetative propagation can be done through stem cuttings taken from a healthy plant during the growing season. The cuttings should be around 10-15 cm long, with at least two nodes, and dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a potting mix. The cuttings should be kept moist and warm until they develop roots and can be transplanted into a larger pot or the garden. Uses: Tibouchina urvilleana is primarily grown as an ornamental plant for its beautiful flowers, which attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. It is often used as a focal point in tropical gardens, borders, or as a potted plant on patios or balconies. The plant is also used in traditional medicine in some parts of South America, where it is believed to have antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, it is important to note that these uses have not been extensively studied or proven scientifically, and caution should be taken when using the plant for medicinal purposes.

Taxonomic tree:

Domain:
Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order:Myrtales
Family:Melastomataceae
Genus:Tibouchina
News coming your way
The biggest news about our planet delivered to you each day