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Description
Didelta Spinosa, commonly known as the toothbrush bush, is a shrub native to South Africa. It belongs to the family Asteraceae and is characterized by its spiky leaves and yellow flowers. The plant grows up to 2 meters tall and spreads up to 1.5 meters wide. Didelta Spinosa is mainly grown for ornamental purposes due to its unique appearance and the ability to attract birds and butterflies.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Didelta |
Appearance
Didelta Spinosa has spiky, toothed leaves that are up to 10 cm long and 2 cm wide. The leaves are typically green but can turn reddish-brown in winter. The plant produces yellow, daisy-like flowers with a diameter of about 2 cm. The flowers bloom from summer to autumn and attract birds and butterflies. The shrub has a dense, bushy growth habit and can grow up to 2 meters tall and spread up to 1.5 meters wide.
Care Guide
Water
Didelta Spinosa prefers well-draining soil and requires moderate watering. The plant should be watered when the top inch of soil becomes dry. Overwatering can cause root rot and other fungal diseases.
Fertilization
The plant should be fertilized in spring and autumn with a balanced fertilizer. Overfertilization can lead to excessive growth and reduced flowering.
Soil
Didelta Spinosa prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. The soil should be enriched with organic matter such as compost or peat moss.
Sunlight
The plant thrives in full sun to partial shade. It requires at least 6 hours of sunlight per day to produce abundant flowers.
Hardiness Zones
Didelta Spinosa is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 11. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°F (-12°C).
Common Pests & Diseases
Didelta Spinosa is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to root rot and other fungal diseases if overwatered. The plant can also be attacked by spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Didelta Spinosa is native to South Africa and is commonly found in grasslands and open woodlands. The plant prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate drought conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Didelta Spinosa be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and the plant is watered regularly.
Q: How often should Didelta Spinosa be pruned?
A: The plant should be pruned in late winter or early spring to control its size and shape.
Q: Can Didelta Spinosa be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, the plant can be propagated from softwood cuttings taken in spring or early summer.
Q: Does Didelta Spinosa attract bees?
A: Yes, the plant attracts bees, butterflies, and birds with its yellow flowers.
Related Plants
- Didelta floribunda
- Didelta carnosa
- Didelta bifida
- Didelta eckloniana
References
- “Didelta Spinosa.” PlantZAfrica. South African National Biodiversity Institute, n.d. Web.
- “Didelta Spinosa (L.f.) Less.” GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Global Biodiversity Information Facility, n.d. Web.
- “Didelta Spinosa.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Missouri Botanical Garden, n.d. Web.
