How to identify Orange ball tree (Buddleja globosa)
Orange ball tree reaches a mature height of 10 to 15 feet (3 to 4.5 meters), with a tendency to grow even taller in certain conditions. It has a somewhat open and gaunt structure that densifies over time. The plant is easily recognized by its vibrant orange, globular flowers, which blossom on wood produced in the previous growing season. Its foliage provides a lush background to the eye-catching blooms. As orange ball tree matures, it develops a robust, woody base and exhibits drought resistance. The nectar-rich blooms are known to attract butterflies, and the plant generally remains unscathed by deer.
Lifespan: Perennial
Plant Type: Tree, Shrub
Leaf Type: Semi-evergreen
Vibrant orange, globular flowers on wood from previous season
Opposite, lanceolate to elliptical leaves with acuminate tip
Rough, dry-textured yellow-tan capsules in spherical clusters
Subquadrangular stem with fine white hairs near tips
Distinct, deeply fissured gray bark with longitudinal grooves
The leaves of orange ball tree are opposite, simple, and range from lanceolate to elliptical in shape with an accuminate tip and crenate margins. They measure 3-8 inches (7.5-20 cm) in length. The upper surface is dark green and lustrous, while the lower surface has a light brown pubescence. The leaves exhibit a wrinkled texture and have a short petiole, adding to their distinctive appearance.
Orange ball tree produces bright yellow to orange flowers arranged in spherical clusters at the tips of branches. Each inflorescence cluster, approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter, contains around 50 individual flowers. The flowers feature four sepals and four petals fused at the base. They emit a sweet, honey-like fragrance and are known to bloom in early summer, making them a distinctive and identifiable feature of the plant.
The stem of orange ball tree is subquadrangular, displaying a square-like cross-section with rounded edges. It is sturdy, with a thickness ranging from 0.5 to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 cm). The surface is slightly rough with a light brown to greenish hue. Branching occurs oppositely in pairs, forming a bushy appearance. The stem also exhibits fine, white hairs, particularly near the tips, aiding in identification.
The fruit of orange ball tree is a series of small, yellow-tan capsules, each intricately arranged into eye-catching spherical clusters. These globular fruit clusters are a defining characteristic, with each individual capsule measuring about 0.2 to 0.4 inches (5-10 mm) in diameter. The surface of the capsules can be described as having a rough, dry texture. Upon maturity, the capsules will split open to release numerous tiny seeds, which are carried away by the wind, facilitating the spread of orange ball tree. Notably, these seed vessels retain their spherical form, offering both a distinctive visual feature and a clue for identification.
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Scientific Classification of Orange ball tree
