Contents
Description
Comesperma Ericinum is a low-growing shrub that belongs to the family Polygalaceae. It is also known as the heath milkwort or the pink milkwort. The plant is native to Australia and is commonly found in heathlands, open forests, and rocky areas. It is a small shrub that grows up to 60 cm tall and 1 m wide.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Polygalaceae |
| Genus | Comesperma |
Appearance
The leaves of Comeperma Ericinum are narrow, linear, and about 10 mm long. They are arranged alternately on the stems and are greyish-green in colour. The flowers are pink or purple in colour and appear in clusters at the end of the stems. Each flower has five petals that are fused at the base and form a tube. The fruit is a capsule that contains small black seeds.
Care Guide
Comeperma Ericinum is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. It prefers well-draining soil and needs to be watered regularly during the growing season. However, it can tolerate periods of drought. The plant should be fertilized with a slow-release fertilizer in spring. It prefers full to partial sun and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Comeperma Ericinum is generally free from pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by root rot if the soil is poorly drained. It can also be attacked by spider mites or aphids, which can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Comeperma Ericinum is native to Australia and is commonly found in heathlands, open forests, and rocky areas. It grows in sandy or gravelly soils and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Comeperma Ericinum a good plant for beginners?
A: Yes, Comeperma Ericinum is a hardy plant that requires minimal care and is a good choice for beginners.
Q: What is the ideal temperature range for Comeperma Ericinum?
A: Comeperma Ericinum can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it prefers temperatures between 15°C and 30°C.
Q: Can Comeperma Ericinum be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Comeperma Ericinum can be grown in containers as long as the container has good drainage and the plant is watered regularly.
Q: Does Comeperma Ericinum attract bees?
A: Yes, Comeperma Ericinum attracts bees and other pollinators with its pink or purple flowers.
Related Plants
- Comesperma volubile
- Comesperma polygaloides
- Comesperma ericoides
- Comesperma calymega
References
- “Comesperma ericinum.” Australian Native Plants Society (Australia). Accessed 23 June 2021. http://anpsa.org.au/c-eri.html
- “Comesperma ericinum.” PlantNet. Accessed 23 June 2021. https://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Comesperma~ericinum
- “Comesperma ericinum.” Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. Accessed 23 June 2021. https://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/plants/plant-finder/comesperma-ericinum
