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Description
Dracophyllum Lessonianum, also known as the Mountain Neinei, is a native plant of New Zealand. It is a shrub that typically grows up to 2 meters in height and 1.5 meters in width. The plant is known for its long and narrow leaves, which are arranged in a spiral fashion around the stem. The flowers of Dracophyllum Lessonianum are small and white, and they are produced in dense clusters at the end of the branches.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Ericaceae |
| Genus | Dracophyllum |
Appearance
The leaves of Dracophyllum Lessonianum are long and narrow, measuring between 10 and 40 cm in length and 1 to 3 mm in width. The leaves are a dark green color and have a glossy sheen. The plant produces small white flowers that are grouped in clusters at the end of the branches. The flowers are about 3 mm in diameter and have 5 petals. The plant has a compact growth habit and can grow up to 2 meters in height.
Care Guide
Dracophyllum Lessonianum is a relatively easy plant to care for, but it does require specific growing conditions to thrive.
- Water: The plant prefers to be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Water the plant regularly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and sand is ideal.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Dracophyllum Lessonianum is hardy in zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Dracophyllum Lessonianum is generally free from pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet.
Habitat
Dracophyllum Lessonianum is native to New Zealand and can be found in the subalpine and alpine regions of the country. The plant prefers well-draining soils and can tolerate cold temperatures.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Dracophyllum Lessonianum a good plant for beginners?
A: Yes, Dracophyllum Lessonianum is a relatively easy plant to care for and is a good choice for beginners.
Q: Can Dracophyllum Lessonianum be grown indoors?
A: No, Dracophyllum Lessonianum is an outdoor plant and requires full sun to thrive.
Q: How often should I fertilize Dracophyllum Lessonianum?
A: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season.
Q: Does Dracophyllum Lessonianum attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the small white flowers of the plant are attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Related Plants
- Dracophyllum filifolium
- Dracophyllum longifolium
- Dracophyllum subulatum
References
- Flora of New Zealand. (n.d.). Dracophyllum lessonianum. Retrieved from http://www.nzflora.info/factsheet/Taxon/Dracophyllum-lessonianum.html
- Royal Horticultural Society. (n.d.). Dracophyllum lessonianum. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/12371/Dracophyllum-lessonianum/Details
- Te Papa. (n.d.). Mountain neinei. Retrieved from https://collections.tepapa.govt.nz/object/608128
