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Description
Diphylleia cymosa is a herbaceous plant belonging to the family Berberidaceae. The plant is native to East Asia and is commonly known as the umbrella leaf or the skeleton flower due to its unique features. The plant usually grows up to 60 cm tall and spreads through underground rhizomes. It has large leaves that can grow up to 30 cm in diameter and produce white or pale pink flowers that look like small umbrellas. The flowers turn translucent when they come in contact with water, hence the name skeleton flower.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ranunculales |
| Family | Berberidaceae |
| Genus | Diphylleia |
Appearance
The umbrella leaf plant is a unique and beautiful plant species that grows in shaded, cool, and moist areas. The plant has large leaves that are usually green but can turn brownish-purple in autumn. The leaves have a distinctive shape that resembles an umbrella, hence the common name. The flowers are small and white or pale pink, and they appear in clusters. When the flowers come in contact with water, they turn translucent, revealing the skeleton-like structure of their petals, which is a unique and fascinating feature.
Care Guide
To ensure the healthy growth of Diphylleia cymosa, you need to provide it with the right care. Here is a care guide that you can follow:- Water: The plant prefers moist soil, so make sure to water it regularly. However, avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.- Fertilization: You can fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained, rich soil that is slightly acidic.- Sunlight: The plant prefers shaded areas with indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can damage the leaves.- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 5-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Diphylleia cymosa is generally a healthy and hardy plant. However, it can be susceptible to some pests and diseases, including:- Slugs and snails: These pests can feed on the leaves and damage the plant. You can control them by using slug and snail baits.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves. You can prevent it by ensuring good air circulation around the plant.- Root rot: Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can cause the plant to wilt and die. You can prevent it by ensuring well-drained soil.
Habitat
Diphylleia cymosa is native to East Asia and is commonly found in shaded, cool, and moist areas, such as forests, streamsides, and wetlands. The plant prefers well-drained, rich soil that is slightly acidic. It is hardy in USDA zones 5-8.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water Diphylleia cymosa?
A: The plant prefers moist soil, so you should water it regularly. However, avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Diphylleia cymosa?
A: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 5-8.
Q: Can Diphylleia cymosa tolerate direct sunlight?
A: The plant prefers shaded areas with indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can damage the leaves.
Q: How can I control slugs and snails on Diphylleia cymosa?
A: You can control slugs and snails by using slug and snail baits.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Diphylleia cymosa:- Diphylleia grayi- Podophyllum peltatum- Jeffersonia diphylla- Coptis chinensis
References
– “Diphylleia cymosa,” Missouri Botanical Garden, accessed August 18, 2021, https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=j740.- “Diphylleia cymosa,” Plant Lust, accessed August 18, 2021, https://plantlust.com/plants/diphylleia-cymosa/.
