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Description
Crassothonna Alba, also known as the White Crassothonna or Thickhead, is a perennial herb that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to South Africa and is commonly found in rocky areas, coastal dunes, and sandy soils. The plant grows up to 50 centimeters in height and produces white flowers that bloom from summer to autumn. The leaves of Crassothonna Alba are grey-green in color and are covered with velvety hairs, giving them a soft texture.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Crassothonna |
| Species | Alba |
Appearance
The White Crassothonna has a distinctive appearance with its grey-green leaves and velvety hairs. The leaves are spoon-shaped and grow up to 10 centimeters in length. The plant produces white flowers that are daisy-like and have a yellow center. The flowers bloom from summer to autumn and are about 4 centimeters in diameter. The plant grows up to 50 centimeters in height and has a bushy habit.
Care Guide
Crassothonna Alba is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:
- Water: The plant should be watered regularly, but make sure the soil is well-draining to avoid root rot.
- Fertilization: The plant does not require regular fertilization, but you can use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Crassothonna Alba can tolerate temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit and can grow in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Crassothonna Alba is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it may be susceptible to root rot if the soil is not well-draining. Here are some common pests and diseases that may affect this plant:
- Root Rot: This can occur if the soil is too wet and not well-draining.
- Spider Mites: These pests can cause yellowing of the leaves and webbing on the plant.
- Aphids: These pests can cause distortion of plant growth and the leaves to curl.
Habitat
Crassothonna Alba is native to South Africa and is commonly found in rocky areas, coastal dunes, and sandy soils. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate heat and drought. The plant can be propagated by seeds or cuttings and is easy to grow in a garden or container.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Crassothonna Alba be grown indoors?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown indoors in a container as long as it receives enough sunlight and is planted in well-draining soil.
Q: How often should I water Crassothonna Alba?
A: The plant should be watered regularly, but make sure the soil is well-draining to avoid root rot. Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry.
Q: Does Crassothonna Alba attract bees and butterflies?
A: Yes, the plant produces flowers that attract bees and butterflies.
Q: How tall does Crassothonna Alba grow?
A: The plant grows up to 50 centimeters in height.
Related Plants
- Crassothonna Capitata
- Crassothonna Plumosa
- Crassothonna Serrulata
- Crassothonna Tomentosa
References
- “Crassothonna Alba.” PlantZAfrica. http://pza.sanbi.org/crassothonna-alba.
- “Crassothonna Alba.” The Plant List. http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/gcc-8457.
- “Crassothonna Alba.” World Checklist of Selected Plant Families. http://wcsp.science.kew.org/namedetail.do?name_id=204535.
