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Description
Clermontia Fauriei, also known as Faurie’s Clermontia, is one of the rarest and most endangered Hawaiian plants, native to the island of Moloka’i. It is a member of the bellflower family, Campanulaceae, and is named after Father Joseph Faurie, a French botanist who collected the type specimen in 1910.This perennial plant can grow up to 3 meters tall and has a single, unbranched stem with large and leathery leaves that measure up to 60 cm long and 15 cm wide. Clermontia Fauriei produces beautiful, tubular flowers that are about 6 cm long and 2 cm wide, with a creamy white color and purple spots on the inside.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Campanulaceae |
| Genus | Clermontia |
Appearance
Clermontia Fauriei is a stunning plant with large and glossy leaves that are a deep green color. Its flowers are the main attraction, with their delicate creamy white color and purple spots on the inside. The flowers are arranged in clusters at the end of the stem and can bloom throughout the year, but mostly from June to September.
Care Guide
Clermontia Fauriei is a delicate plant that requires special care to thrive. Here are some tips on how to care for this beautiful Hawaiian plant:Water: Water the plant regularly, but not excessively, to keep the soil moist.Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer every two to three months during the growing season.Soil: Use a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade, but can tolerate full sun if it is not too hot.Hardiness Zones: Clermontia Fauriei is not frost-tolerant and can only be grown in USDA zones 11-12.
Common Pests & Diseases
Like many Hawaiian plants, Clermontia Fauriei is susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases. Some common pests that can affect this plant include mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites. Diseases that can affect Clermontia Fauriei include fungal infections, root rot, and leaf spot.
Habitat
Clermontia Fauriei is native to the island of Moloka’i in Hawaii, where it grows in wet, montane forests at elevations of 900-1,600 meters. The plant prefers to grow in shaded areas with high humidity and well-draining soil.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Clermontia Fauriei an endangered plant?
A: Yes, Clermontia Fauriei is one of the rarest and most endangered Hawaiian plants, with only a few hundred individuals left in the wild.Q: Can Clermontia Fauriei be grown indoors?
A: It is not recommended to grow Clermontia Fauriei indoors, as the plant requires high humidity and bright, indirect light.Q: How long does it take for Clermontia Fauriei to bloom?
A: Clermontia Fauriei can bloom throughout the year, but mostly from June to September.Q: What is the best way to propagate Clermontia Fauriei?
A: Clermontia Fauriei can be propagated by stem cuttings or by seeds, but it is a difficult plant to propagate and should only be attempted by experienced growers.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants in the Clermontia genus:
- Clermontia arborescens
- Clermontia drepanomorpha
- Clermontia lindseyana
- Clermontia oblongifolia
- Clermontia peleana
References
- “Clermontia Fauriei.” IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/100698277/100698305.
- “Clermontia Fauriei.” Plants of Hawaii, https://www.nativeplants.hawaii.edu/plant/view/Clermontia_fauriei.
- “Clermontia Fauriei.” National Tropical Botanical Garden, https://ntbg.org/plants/plant_details.php?plantid=2260.
