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, PyracanthaHow 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