Contents
Description
Cryptantha Albida, commonly known as White Cryptantha, is a small annual plant that belongs to the Boraginaceae family. It is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. This plant is characterized by its white flowers that bloom in clusters along the stem. The flowers have five petals that are fused at the base and five stamens. The leaves are narrow, linear, and covered with stiff hairs.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Boraginales |
| Family | Boraginaceae |
| Genus | Cryptantha |
Appearance
Cryptantha Albida grows up to 12 inches tall and 4 inches wide. The stems are thin and covered with stiff hairs. The leaves are narrow and linear, measuring between 0.2 and 1.2 inches long. The flowers are small, measuring about 0.2 inches in diameter. They are white with five fused petals and five stamens. The fruit is a small nutlet that is covered with stiff hairs.
Care Guide
Cryptantha Albida is an easy-to-grow plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips to help you take care of it:
- Water: Water this plant regularly, but do not overwater it. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
- Fertilization: Fertilize Cryptantha Albida once a month with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: This plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: Cryptantha Albida prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in zones 5 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cryptantha Albida is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to root rot if the soil is not well-drained. Some common pests that may affect this plant include spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies. Treat these pests with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Cryptantha Albida is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It grows in a variety of habitats, including deserts, dry slopes, and rocky areas. This plant prefers well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
- Q: Is Cryptantha Albida a perennial or an annual plant?
A: Cryptantha Albida is an annual plant. - Q: What is the ideal soil pH for Cryptantha Albida?
A: The ideal soil pH for Cryptantha Albida is between 6.0 and 7.5. - Q: How often should I fertilize Cryptantha Albida?
A: You should fertilize Cryptantha Albida once a month with a balanced fertilizer. - Q: How tall does Cryptantha Albida grow?
A: Cryptantha Albida grows up to 12 inches tall.
Related Plants
- Cryptantha Angustifolia
- Cryptantha Flavoculata
- Cryptantha Micrantha
- Cryptantha Pterocarya
- Cryptantha Setosissima
References
- “Cryptantha Albida.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center – The University of Texas at Austin. Accessed 14 May 2021. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=CRAL2
- “Cryptantha Albida.” Plant Finder. Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 14 May 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=282225&isprofile=0&basic=cryptantha%20albida
- “Cryptantha Albida.” USDA Plants Database. Accessed 14 May 2021. https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=CRAL2
