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Description
Eremalche Exilis, also known as the Lost Hills checkerbloom or slender-stemmed mallow, is a small annual plant that belongs to the Malvaceae family. This plant is native to California and can grow up to 1-2 feet tall. It has a slender stem and produces beautiful pink or white flowers that bloom from March to May.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Dicotyledonae |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Genus | Eremalche |
Appearance
The Eremalche Exilis has a slender stem that can grow up to 1-2 feet tall with small leaves that are 1-2 inches long. The flowers are pink or white with five petals that are 0.5-1 inch long. The plant blooms from March to May and produces fruits that are round and hairy, containing small, black seeds.
Care Guide
The Eremalche Exilis requires well-draining soil and full sun exposure. It can tolerate drought and high temperatures, but it prefers regular watering during the growing season. Fertilization should be done sparingly, as this plant is adapted to low-nutrient soils. The plant is hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 8-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Eremalche Exilis is susceptible to spider mites and aphids. Regular inspections and early treatment can prevent infestations. Root rot can occur if the plant is overwatered or if the soil has poor drainage.
Habitat
The Eremalche Exilis is native to California and can be found in dry, open areas, including grasslands, chaparral, and coastal sage scrub. It can also grow in disturbed areas, such as roadsides and fields.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Eremalche Exilis an endangered species?
A: Yes, the Eremalche Exilis is listed as an endangered species by the California Native Plant Society.
Q: Can the Eremalche Exilis be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the Eremalche Exilis can be grown in containers as long as they have well-draining soil and full sun exposure.
Q: Can the Eremalche Exilis be propagated by seeds?
A: Yes, the Eremalche Exilis can be propagated by seeds, which can be collected after the plant has produced fruits.
Q: How often should the Eremalche Exilis be watered?
A: The Eremalche Exilis prefers regular watering during the growing season, but it can tolerate drought and infrequent watering.
Related Plants
- Eremalche Foliacea
- Eremalche Kearneyi
- Eremalche Parryi
References
- California Native Plant Society. (n.d.). Eremalche exilis. Retrieved from https://www.cnps.org/
- McAuley, W. (1996). Eremalche exilis. Retrieved from https://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/
- Powell, M., & Vasey, M. (2015). Eremalche exilis. Retrieved from https://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/
