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Description
Centipeda Minima, commonly known as the Small sneezeweed or Forest sneezeweed, is a herbaceous plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is a native plant of Australia, New Zealand, and South East Asia. The plant has a long history of use in traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments like coughs, colds, and skin diseases.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Centipeda |
Appearance
Centipeda Minima is a small, creeping perennial plant that grows up to 10cm high and 30cm wide. It has small, narrow leaves that are green in color and arranged alternately on the stem. The plant produces small, daisy-like flowers that are white or yellow in color and bloom from summer to autumn. The flowers are followed by small, black, seed-like fruits.
Care Guide
Centipeda Minima is an easy-to-care-for plant that can thrive in a wide range of conditions. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:- Water: The plant prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate dry conditions. Water the plant once a week or when the soil feels dry to the touch.- Fertilization: The plant doesn’t require frequent fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to encourage healthy growth.- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Avoid planting in heavy clay soils.- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to light shade.- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA Zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Centipeda Minima is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew and root rot if overwatered. To prevent these issues, ensure that the plant is grown in well-draining soil and watered only when necessary.
Habitat
Centipeda Minima is a versatile plant that can grow in a wide range of habitats. It can be found growing in sandy or rocky soils, along roadsides, and in disturbed areas. The plant is also commonly found in forested areas and grasslands.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Centipeda Minima toxic to pets?
A: No, Centipeda Minima is not toxic to pets.
Q: Can Centipeda Minima be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Centipeda Minima can be grown indoors as long as it receives sufficient sunlight.
Q: Does Centipeda Minima attract bees?
A: Yes, Centipeda Minima is an attractive plant for bees and other pollinators.
Q: How often should I fertilize Centipeda Minima?
A: Centipeda Minima doesn’t require frequent fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to encourage healthy growth.
Related Plants
– Centipeda cunninghamii- Centipeda orbicularis- Centipeda minima var. minima- Centipeda thespidioides
References
– “Centipeda Minima.” Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicspecies.pl?taxon_id=3252.- “Centipeda Minima.” PlantNet, plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Centipeda~minima.
