Contents
Description
Boraginales is an order of flowering plants that contains 4 families, 140 genera, and over 2,000 species. The name “Boraginales” comes from the family Boraginaceae, which includes well-known plants like forget-me-nots and borage. Other families in this order include the Hydrophyllaceae, Lennoaceae, and Ehretiaceae. These plants are found worldwide, but are most diverse in the Americas. They are known for their beautiful and colorful flowers, which are often bell-shaped or tubular. The leaves of Boraginales plants are usually simple, alternate, and covered in stiff hairs that can cause skin irritation in some people.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Boraginales |
| Family | Boraginaceae, Hydrophyllaceae, Lennoaceae, Ehretiaceae |
| Genus | Over 140 genera |
Appearance
Boraginales plants vary widely in appearance, but they are known for their beautiful and colorful flowers. The flowers are often bell-shaped or tubular, with five petals and five sepals. They can range in color from white to pink, blue, purple, and even red. The leaves of these plants are usually simple, alternate, and covered in stiff hairs that can cause skin irritation in some people.
Care Guide
Boraginales plants are generally easy to care for and can be grown in a variety of conditions. Here are some tips for caring for these plants:- Water: These plants prefer well-draining soil and do not like to be over-watered. Water them when the soil feels dry to the touch.- Fertilization: Boraginales plants do not require much fertilizer, but can benefit from a light application of balanced fertilizer in the spring.- Soil: These plants prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. They can tolerate a range of soil pH levels.- Sunlight: Most Boraginales plants prefer full sun, but some can tolerate partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: These plants can be grown in a range of hardiness zones, depending on the species. Check the specific requirements for the plant you are growing.
Common Pests & Diseases
Boraginales plants can be susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases. Here are some of the most common:- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause leaves to turn yellow and die. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white or gray powdery coating on leaves. It can be controlled with fungicides or by improving air circulation around the plant.- Leaf miners: These pests can cause tunnels and blotches on leaves. They can be controlled with insecticides or by removing affected leaves.- Slugs and snails: These pests can eat holes in leaves and flowers. They can be controlled with slug bait or by hand-picking them off the plant.
Habitat
Boraginales plants are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, meadows, deserts, and wetlands. They are most diverse in the Americas, but can be found worldwide.
Question and Answer
Q: Are all Boraginales plants toxic?
A: No, not all Boraginales plants are toxic. However, some species in the family Boraginaceae contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can be toxic to humans and animals if ingested in large amounts.
Q: Can Boraginales plants be grown in containers?
A: Yes, many Boraginales plants can be grown in containers as long as they have well-draining soil and receive adequate sunlight and water.
Q: Do Boraginales plants attract pollinators?
A: Yes, Boraginales plants are known for attracting a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Q: Can Boraginales plants be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, many Boraginales plants can be propagated from stem cuttings taken in the spring or summer.
Related Plants
– Forget-me-nots (Myosotis spp.)- Borage (Borago officinalis)- Virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginica)- California bluebells (Phacelia campanularia)- Globe forget-me-nots (Cynoglossum spp.)
References
– Boraginales. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved August 16, 2021, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boraginales- Boraginaceae. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved August 16, 2021, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boraginaceae- Hydrophyllaceae. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved August 16, 2021, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrophyllaceae- Ehretiaceae. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved August 16, 2021, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ehretiaceae- Lennoaceae. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved August 16, 2021, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lennoaceae
