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Description
Berkheya Cuneata, also known as Pincushion Daisy, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to South Africa and is widely cultivated for its attractive flowers that bloom in summer. The plant has a basal rosette of leaves that are lobed, hairy, and gray-green in color. The leaves grow up to 20 cm long and 10 cm wide. The flowers are pink or purple and have a distinctive pincushion-like appearance, which is where the plant gets its common name.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Berkheya |
Appearance
Berkheya Cuneata is an attractive plant with a unique appearance. The plant has a basal rosette of leaves that are lobed, hairy, and gray-green in color. The leaves grow up to 20 cm long and 10 cm wide. The flowers are pink or purple and have a distinctive pincushion-like appearance. The flower heads are 5-7 cm in diameter and are composed of numerous tubular florets that are surrounded by bracts. The plant can grow up to 60 cm in height.
Care Guide
Berkheya Cuneata is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips to keep your plant healthy:
Water: Water your plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Berkheya Cuneata can tolerate some drought, but it prefers consistently moist soil.
Fertilization: Fertilize your plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).
Soil: Berkheya Cuneata prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. You can use a commercial potting mix or make your own by mixing equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite.
Sunlight: Berkheya Cuneata prefers full sun to partial shade. In areas with hot summers, it may benefit from some afternoon shade.
Hardiness Zones: Berkheya Cuneata is hardy in USDA zones 8-11. It may survive in zone 7 with winter protection.
Common Pests & Diseases
Berkheya Cuneata is relatively pest and disease resistant. However, it may be susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew. To prevent these issues, keep your plant healthy by providing it with proper care. If you do notice pests or disease, treat them promptly with an appropriate insecticide or fungicide.
Habitat
Berkheya Cuneata is native to South Africa, where it grows in rocky areas, on hillsides, and in grasslands. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Berkheya Cuneata a good plant for beginners?
A: Yes, Berkheya Cuneata is a relatively easy plant to care for and is a good choice for beginners.
Q: Can Berkheya Cuneata be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Berkheya Cuneata can be grown in containers. Use a well-draining potting mix and make sure the container has drainage holes.
Q: Does Berkheya Cuneata attract pollinators?
A: Yes, Berkheya Cuneata is attractive to bees and butterflies.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Berkheya Cuneata?
A: Fertilize your plant once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).
Related Plants
- Berkheya Purpurea
- Berkheya Multijuga
- Berkheya Radula
- Berkheya Spinosa
References
- “Berkheya Cuneata.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c905.
- “Berkheya Cuneata.” PlantZAfrica, www.plantzafrica.com/plantab/berkheycune.htm.
- “Berkheya Cuneata.” San Marcos Growers, www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=246.
