Contents
Description
Diosma Oppositifolia, also known as Breath of Heaven, is a small evergreen shrub native to South Africa. It belongs to the Rutaceae family and is a popular choice for landscaping due to its attractive foliage and flowers.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Rutaceae |
| Genus | Diosma |
Appearance
The leaves of Diosma Oppositifolia are small, narrow, and opposite in arrangement. They are a bright green color and have a citrusy aroma when crushed. The flowers are small and white, with a subtle fragrance. They bloom in late winter to early spring and attract bees and butterflies.
Care Guide
Water: Diosma Oppositifolia prefers well-draining soil and should be watered regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.
Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a year with a slow-release fertilizer in the spring.
Soil: The plant prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. It should be planted in well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging.
Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and should be planted in a location that receives at least 4-6 hours of sunlight per day.
Hardiness Zones: Diosma Oppositifolia is hardy in zones 8-10, but can be grown in zone 7 with winter protection.
Common Pests & Diseases
Diosma Oppositifolia is generally pest and disease-free, but can be susceptible to scale insects and spider mites. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Diosma Oppositifolia is native to South Africa and grows in rocky, well-draining soil in coastal regions. It is also grown as an ornamental plant in other parts of the world, including California, Australia, and New Zealand.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Diosma Oppositifolia toxic to pets?
A: The plant is not toxic to pets, but it should still be kept out of reach to prevent accidental ingestion.
Q: Can Diosma Oppositifolia be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as they are well-draining and large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: How often should Diosma Oppositifolia be pruned?
A: The plant can be pruned lightly after flowering to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth.
Q: Does Diosma Oppositifolia attract wildlife?
A: The plant’s flowers attract bees and butterflies, which are important pollinators.
Related Plants
- Diosma Hirsuta
- Diosma Myrtifolia
- Diosma Ericoides
- Diosma Alba
References
- “Diosma Oppositifolia.” PlantZAfrica, National Botanical Institute, accessed 30 Aug. 2021, http://pza.sanbi.org/diosma-oppositifolia.
- “Diosma Oppositifolia.” Royal Horticultural Society, accessed 30 Aug. 2021, https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/17875/Diosma-oppositifolia/Details.
- “Diosma Oppositifolia.” Waterwise Plants, accessed 30 Aug. 2021, https://www.waterwiseplants.org/plants/diosma-oppositifolia/.
