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Description
Cleomella Refracta, commonly known as Refracted Cleomella or Desert Cleomella, is a small plant species belonging to the Cleomaceae family. It is native to the arid regions of the western United States and northern Mexico, where it grows in rocky or sandy soils. It is an annual plant that reaches a height of up to 30 cm and produces white or pale pink flowers.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Capparales |
| Family | Cleomaceae |
| Genus | Cleomella |
Appearance
Cleomella Refracta has a small and compact growth habit, with thin and erect stems that are covered in small, glandular hairs. The leaves are pinnately compound, with three to five linear leaflets that are up to 4 cm long. The flowers are small, about 5 mm in diameter, and have four petals that are white or pale pink in color. The fruit is a capsule that splits open when ripe, releasing numerous small, elongated seeds.
Care Guide
Cleomella Refracta is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:- Water: Water the plant regularly, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.- Soil: Plant Cleomella Refracta in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate sandy or rocky soils.- Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun, but can also tolerate partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: Cleomella Refracta is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cleomella Refracta is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to spider mites and aphids if conditions are favorable for their growth. In addition, root rot can occur if the plant is overwatered or planted in poorly-draining soil.
Habitat
Cleomella Refracta is native to the western United States and northern Mexico, where it grows in rocky or sandy soils in desert or semi-desert regions. It is often found in areas with low rainfall and high temperatures.
Questions and Answers
Q: Can Cleomella Refracta be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Cleomella Refracta can be grown indoors as long as it is provided with plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil.
Q: How often should Cleomella Refracta be fertilized?
A: Cleomella Refracta should be fertilized once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Is Cleomella Refracta a drought-tolerant plant?
A: Yes, Cleomella Refracta is drought-tolerant and can survive in areas with low rainfall.
Q: How long does it take for Cleomella Refracta to bloom?
A: Cleomella Refracta typically blooms from late spring to early summer, about 60-70 days after planting.
Related Plants
– Cleomella Parviflora- Cleome Hassleriana- Cleome Lutea- Cleome Serrulata
References
– “Cleomella Refracta.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Accessed September 21, 2021. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=clre.- “Cleomella Refracta.” Arizona State University. Accessed September 21, 2021. https://swbiodiversity.org/seinet/taxa/index.php?taxon=Cleomella%20refracta.
