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Description
Cantua Buxifolia, also known as Sacred Flower of the Incas or Peruvian Bellflower, is a beautiful flowering plant that is native to the Andes mountains. It belongs to the family Polemoniaceae and is a popular ornamental plant in gardens due to its bright and colorful flowers.The plant can grow up to 20 feet tall and has a woody stem. Its leaves are small, dark green, and glossy. The flowers are tubular in shape and can be found in a range of colors, including pink, red, yellow, and white. They bloom in the spring and summer months and are known for their sweet fragrance.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Polemoniaceae |
| Genus | Cantua |
Appearance
Cantua Buxifolia is a tall plant with a woody stem and small, glossy leaves. Its flowers are the main feature of the plant and can be found in a range of colors, including pink, red, yellow, and white. The flowers are tubular in shape and have a sweet fragrance. They bloom in the spring and summer months and can be up to 5 inches long.
Care Guide
Cantua Buxifolia requires moderate care to thrive. Here are some tips on how to care for this beautiful plant:Water: Water the plant regularly during the growing season, but be careful not to overwater it as this can cause root rot.Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.Sunlight: Cantua Buxifolia prefers full sun to partial shade.Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cantua Buxifolia is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it may be susceptible to spider mites and aphids. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Cantua Buxifolia is native to the Andes mountains of Peru, Bolivia, and Chile. It grows at high altitudes and is often found in rocky or gravelly soil.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Cantua Buxifolia be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate its size.Q: How often should I fertilize my Cantua Buxifolia?
A: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.Q: Does Cantua Buxifolia require a lot of sunlight?
A: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade.Q: Are there any pests or diseases that commonly affect Cantua Buxifolia?
A: Cantua Buxifolia is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it may be susceptible to spider mites and aphids.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Cantua Buxifolia:- Cantua pyrifolia- Cantua quercifolia- Cantua longiflora
References
– “Cantua.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=282306.- “Cantua buxifolia.” PlantFiles, Dave’s Garden, www.davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/597/.- “Cantua buxifolia.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/plants/21832/i-cantua-buxifolia-i/details.
