Pyracantha koidzumii aka Formosa Firethorn

Taxonomy

Pyracantha koidzumii, also known as Formosa firethorn or Taiwan firethorn, is an evergreen shrub belonging to the Rosaceae family. It typically grows up to 3m (10ft) in height and spreads up to 2.4m (8ft) wide. The plant features glossy dark green leaves that initially have a bronze hue. During late spring, clusters of small white flowers bloom on the previous year's growth. These flowers are followed by abundant bright red berries in autumn. Formosa pyracantha, a variety of this species, is a medium-sized evergreen shrub with an upright, stiff, and thorny structure that can reach up to 18 feet in height. It produces showy, albeit foul-smelling, flowers in late spring to early summer. The plant's orange-red berries mature in the fall and persist throughout the winter. It has sharp thorns and may require pruning to maintain a manicured appearance. Pyracantha koidzumii is tolerant of partial shade, hot and dry conditions, and a pH range between 5.5 and 7.5. However, it is currently threatened by habitat loss.

Common names

Formosa Firethorn, Firethorn, Pyracantha

How to care for Formosa Firethorn

Water

Formosa Firethorn should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Formosa Firethorn loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Formosa Firethorn prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Region of origin

Formosa Firethorn’s native range is E. Asia - Taiwan.


More info:
Wikipedia