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Description
Berkheya Setifera is a flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to the Western Cape Province of South Africa and is commonly known as the Silver Berkheya due to its silvery-white leaves. The plant produces a rosette of basal leaves that are deeply lobed and covered in silver hairs. The leaves have sharp spines on the edges and grow up to 20 cm long.The plant produces a tall stem that can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. The stem is covered in small, silver-haired, lance-shaped leaves that taper towards the top. The plant produces bright yellow flower heads that are 4-5 cm in diameter and bloom from late spring to early summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Berkheya |
Appearance
Berkheya Setifera is a striking plant with silvery-white leaves and bright yellow flower heads. The plant produces a rosette of basal leaves that are deeply lobed and covered in silver hairs. The leaves have sharp spines on the edges and grow up to 20 cm long.The plant produces a tall stem that can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. The stem is covered in small, silver-haired, lance-shaped leaves that taper towards the top. The plant produces bright yellow flower heads that are 4-5 cm in diameter and bloom from late spring to early summer.
Care Guide
Berkheya Setifera is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips to help you take care of your Berkheya Setifera:- Water: Berkheya Setifera prefers well-draining soil and does not like to be overwatered. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering during the dormant season.- Fertilization: Berkheya Setifera does not require fertilization, but you can feed it with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.- Soil: Berkheya Setifera prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Use a potting mix that contains sand, perlite, or vermiculite to improve drainage.- Sunlight: Berkheya Setifera prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Place the plant in a sunny location with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.- Hardiness Zones: Berkheya Setifera is hardy in USDA zones 8-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Berkheya Setifera is generally pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids. To prevent infestations, keep the plant clean and free from debris, and inspect it regularly for signs of pests.
Habitat
Berkheya Setifera is native to the Western Cape Province of South Africa and grows in rocky, mountainous areas. The plant prefers well-draining soil and full sun.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Berkheya Setifera a drought-tolerant plant?
A: Yes, Berkheya Setifera can tolerate drought, but it prefers to be watered regularly during the growing season.
Q: How do I propagate Berkheya Setifera?
A: Berkheya Setifera can be propagated by seeds or by division. To propagate by seeds, sow them in well-draining soil in the spring. To propagate by division, separate the plant into smaller sections and plant them in individual pots.
Q: Can I grow Berkheya Setifera indoors?
A: Berkheya Setifera prefers full sun and is best grown outdoors. However, you can grow it indoors in a bright, sunny location.
Q: Does Berkheya Setifera attract bees?
A: Yes, Berkheya Setifera attracts bees and other pollinators with its bright yellow flower heads.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants that you might be interested in:- Berkheya purpurea- Berkheya spekei- Berkheya multijuga- Berkheya coddii
References
– “Berkheya Setifera.” PlantZAfrica.com, South African National Biodiversity Institute, www.plantzafrica.com/plantab/berkheyasatif.htm.- “Berkheya Setifera.” The Spruce, Dotdash, www.thespruce.com/berkheya-setifera-plant-profile-4843273.
