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Description
Cota Altissima, also known as the Moroccan Chamomile, is a flowering herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. This plant is native to North Africa and some parts of Europe, and it is widely cultivated for its medicinal and ornamental properties. It is a popular choice for gardens, as it blooms all summer long and attracts bees and other pollinators.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Cota |
Appearance
Cota Altissima grows up to 50 cm tall and 30 cm wide. The leaves are finely divided and feathery, measuring up to 5 cm long. The flowers are daisy-like, with white ray petals and yellow disc florets. They bloom from early summer to mid-fall and have a mild, sweet fragrance. The flowers are about 2 cm in diameter and are borne on long, slender stems.
Care Guide
Cota Altissima is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:
Water: Cota Altissima prefers well-drained soil that is evenly moist. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering in the winter.
Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Soil: Cota Altissima prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH of the soil should be between 6.0 and 7.5.
Sunlight: Cota Altissima prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it will not bloom as well.
Hardiness Zones: Cota Altissima is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cota Altissima is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew and root rot if the soil is too wet. To prevent these problems, make sure to water the plant properly and avoid over-fertilizing.
Habitat
Cota Altissima is native to North Africa and some parts of Europe. It is commonly found in rocky and sandy areas, as well as on slopes and hillsides. It can grow in a wide range of soil types, as long as the soil is well-drained.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Cota Altissima be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Cota Altissima can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough and has good drainage.
Q: Is Cota Altissima deer-resistant?
A: Yes, Cota Altissima is deer-resistant.
Q: Can Cota Altissima be used for medicinal purposes?
A: Yes, Cota Altissima has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. It is commonly used to treat digestive disorders, anxiety, and insomnia.
Q: Does Cota Altissima attract pollinators?
A: Yes, Cota Altissima attracts bees and other pollinators with its fragrant flowers.
Related Plants
Here are some plants that are related to Cota Altissima:
- Chamomile
- Yarrow
- Tansy
- Achillea
- Echinacea
References
- “Cota Altissima.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 16, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b175.
- “Cota Altissima.” Plant Finder. Accessed September 16, 2021. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/moroccan-chamomile/cota-altissima-care.htm.
- “Cota.” Wikipedia. Accessed September 16, 2021. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cota_(plant).
