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Description
Celmisia Du-Rietzii is a perennial herbaceous plant, native to New Zealand. It belongs to the family Asteraceae and is commonly known as the Mount Cook Lily. It has a compact, basal rosette of leathery, dark green leaves that grow up to 30 cm long. In late spring or early summer, it produces a tall, erect stem up to 1.5 meters high with a single large, daisy-like flower head. The flower head consists of white ray florets and yellow disc florets, which are surrounded by several green bracts. The plant is a popular garden plant due to its attractive appearance.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Celmisia |
Appearance
Celmisia Du-Rietzii has a distinct and attractive appearance. The plant has a compact, basal rosette of leathery, dark green leaves that grow up to 30 cm long. The leaves are arranged in a spiral pattern and have a distinct whitish-grey color on the undersides. The stem of the plant is tall, erect, and grows up to 1.5 meters high. The stem bears a single large, daisy-like flower head at the top, which is around 12 cm in diameter. The flower head consists of white ray florets and yellow disc florets, which are surrounded by several green bracts. The plant has a long flowering period, which lasts from late spring to early summer.
Care Guide
Celmisia Du-Rietzii is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips to take care of the plant:
Water: The plant requires well-drained soil and regular watering. Water the plant when the soil is dry to the touch, but avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to encourage healthy growth and flowering.
Soil: The plant prefers well-drained, rich soil. If the soil is poor, add organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve the soil quality.
Sunlight: The plant prefers full sunlight but can also tolerate partial shade.
Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy to USDA zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Celmisia Du-Rietzii is generally not susceptible to pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by spider mites, which can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant can also be affected by fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, which can be treated with fungicides.
Habitat
Celmisia Du-Rietzii is native to New Zealand and is found in alpine herb fields and rock ledges. The plant prefers well-drained soil and full sunlight. It is adapted to the cool, wet climate of New Zealand and can tolerate frost and snow.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Celmisia Du-Rietzii a hardy plant?
A: Yes, Celmisia Du-Rietzii is a hardy plant and can tolerate frost and snow.
Q: How often should I water Celmisia Du-Rietzii?
A: Water the plant when the soil is dry to the touch, but avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.
Q: What is the flowering period of Celmisia Du-Rietzii?
A: The plant has a long flowering period, which lasts from late spring to early summer.
Q: What is the habitat of Celmisia Du-Rietzii?
A: Celmisia Du-Rietzii is native to New Zealand and is found in alpine herb fields and rock ledges.
Related Plants
Here are some plants related to Celmisia Du-Rietzii:
- Celmisia Haastii
- Celmisia Monroi
- Celmisia Spectabilis
References
- https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/15022/Celmisia-Du-Rietzii/Details
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/celmisia-du-rietzii
- https://www.nzpcn.org.nz/flora/species/celmisia-du-rietzii/
