Contents
Description
Capnophyllum Africanum, commonly known as African capnophyllum or African parsley, is a perennial plant native to Southern Africa. It belongs to the family Apiaceae and is characterized by its small, umbel-shaped flowers and feathery leaves. This plant is highly valued for its medicinal properties and is popularly used in traditional African medicine to treat various ailments.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Apiales |
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Genus | Capnophyllum |
Appearance
The Capnophyllum Africanum plant grows up to a height of 30cm and has a spread of up to 20cm. It has a bushy growth habit and produces feathery, finely divided leaves that are soft to the touch. The flowers are small and white, arranged in umbel-shaped clusters that rise above the foliage. The plant blooms from late spring to early summer and produces small, oval-shaped fruits that are green when young and turn brown as they mature.
Care Guide
Capnophyllum Africanum is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips to keep your plant healthy:
- Water: Water your plant regularly, making sure that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize your plant with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
- Soil: Use well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: Place your plant in a spot that receives bright, indirect sunlight.
- Hardiness Zones: Capnophyllum Africanum is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Capnophyllum Africanum is generally pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to fungal infections if overwatered. Here are some common pests and diseases to look out for:
- Fungal infections: Overwatering can lead to fungal infections, which can cause root rot and leaf spots.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can infest the plant and cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves.
- Mealybugs: Mealybugs are white, cottony pests that can suck sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves.
Habitat
Capnophyllum Africanum is native to Southern Africa and can be found growing in rocky, sandy soils in grasslands and savannas. It prefers a warm, dry climate and can tolerate drought conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Capnophyllum Africanum be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Capnophyllum Africanum can be grown indoors as long as it is placed in a spot that receives bright, indirect sunlight.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Capnophyllum Africanum plant?
A: Fertilize your Capnophyllum Africanum plant once a month during the growing season.
Q: How often should I water my Capnophyllum Africanum plant?
A: Water your Capnophyllum Africanum plant regularly, making sure that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Capnophyllum Africanum?
A: Capnophyllum Africanum is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11.
Related Plants
- Capnophyllum spicatum
- Capnophyllum sessilifolium
- Capnophyllum macrum
References
- “Capnophyllum Africanum.” PlantZAfrica, www.plantzafrica.com/plantcd/capnophyafr.htm.
- “Capnophyllum Africanum.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c982.
- Van Wyk, Ben-Erik. Medicinal Plants of the World. Briza Publications, 2015.
