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Description
Dichocarpum Dalzielii is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae. It is also known as the “African cucumber” and is native to West Africa. The plant is an annual herb that can grow up to 3 meters in height. It has a rough stem with tendrils that help the plant climb. The leaves are palmate with three to five lobes and are hairy on both sides. The flowers are yellow and are produced in clusters. The fruit of this plant is an elongated, cylindrical berry that can grow up to 30 cm long and 5 cm in diameter.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Cucurbitales |
| Family | Cucurbitaceae |
| Genus | Dichocarpum |
| Species | Dalzielii |
Appearance
Dichocarpum Dalzielii has a unique appearance that sets it apart from other plants. The plant has rough stems that are covered in small, prickly hairs. The leaves are palmate with three to five lobes and are hairy on both sides. The flowers are small and yellow, and they grow in clusters. The fruit is the most distinctive part of this plant. It is an elongated, cylindrical berry that can grow up to 30 cm long and 5 cm in diameter. The fruit is green when it is immature, but it turns yellow when it is ripe. The fruit is covered in small, prickly hairs that can cause skin irritation, so it is important to handle the fruit with care.
Care Guide
Dichocarpum Dalzielii is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:Water: This plant needs regular watering, especially during the growing season. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to promote healthy growth.Soil: This plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.Sunlight: Dichocarpum Dalzielii prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in zones 10-12.
Common Pests & Diseases
Dichocarpum Dalzielii is prone to a few pests and diseases, including:Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the leaves and stems, causing the plant to weaken and become stunted.Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and browning of the leaves.Root rot: This disease is caused by overwatering or poorly-draining soil. It can cause the roots to rot and the plant to wilt.
Habitat
Dichocarpum Dalzielii is native to West Africa and can be found in countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, and Cameroon. It grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, savannas, and riverbanks. It is often cultivated for its edible fruit, which is a popular ingredient in African cuisine.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Dichocarpum Dalzielii a perennial or annual plant?
A: Dichocarpum Dalzielii is an annual plant.Q: What is the hardiness zone for Dichocarpum Dalzielii?
A: Dichocarpum Dalzielii is hardy in zones 10-12.Q: Can Dichocarpum Dalzielii be grown in a container?
A: Yes, Dichocarpum Dalzielii can be grown in a container as long as it has enough room to grow.Q: Is Dichocarpum Dalzielii a common plant?
A: Dichocarpum Dalzielii is not a very common plant and is mostly grown for its edible fruit.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants in the Cucurbitaceae family:- Cucumis sativus (cucumber)- Citrullus lanatus (watermelon)- Cucurbita pepo (pumpkin)- Lagenaria siceraria (bottle gourd)
References
– “Dichocarpum Dalzielii (African cucumber).” Kew Science. Accessed 14 July 2021. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:292490-1– “Dichocarpum Dalzielii.” Plantwise Knowledge Bank. Accessed 14 July 2021. https://www.plantwise.org/KnowledgeBank/Datasheet.aspx?dsid=46324– “Dichocarpum.” The Plant List. Accessed 14 July 2021. http://www.theplantlist.org/1.1/browse/A/Cucurbitaceae/Dichocarpum/
