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Description
Eriogonum Marifolium, also known as Mariola, is a small shrub that belongs to the Polygonaceae family. This perennial plant is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Its scientific name is derived from the Greek words “erion” and “gonu,” which mean “wool” and “knee,” respectively, referring to the plant’s hairy joints.Mariola can grow up to 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide. It has a round shape and is covered in silvery-white hairs that give it a fuzzy appearance. The plant usually blooms between May and August, producing small, yellowish-white flowers that grow in clusters.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Polygonaceae |
| Genus | Eriogonum |
Appearance
Mariola is a small shrub with a round shape and silvery-white hairs covering its stems and leaves. Its leaves are small and oval-shaped, growing up to 1 inch long. The plant usually blooms between May and August, producing small, yellowish-white flowers that grow in clusters.
Care Guide
Mariola is a relatively low-maintenance plant, but it still requires some care to thrive. Here are some tips for taking care of your Mariola:- Water: Mariola prefers well-draining soil and doesn’t require a lot of water. Water it deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering in the winter.- Fertilization: Mariola doesn’t need a lot of fertilizer. You can fertilize it once a year in the spring with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer.- Soil: Mariola prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. You can amend the soil with organic matter to improve drainage.- Sunlight: Mariola prefers full sun but can tolerate light shade. Make sure it gets at least 6 hours of sunlight a day.- Hardiness Zones: Mariola grows best in USDA hardiness zones 8 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Mariola is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but it can still be affected by some common issues, such as:- Spider mites: These pests can cause yellowing leaves and webbing on the plant. You can control them with insecticidal soap or neem oil.- Root rot: Overwatering or poor drainage can lead to root rot, which can cause the plant to wilt and die. Make sure the soil is well-draining and only water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Habitat
Mariola is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It grows in arid regions, such as deserts, rocky slopes, and canyons. It can tolerate hot and dry conditions and is adapted to low-nutrient soils.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Mariola grow in containers?
A: Yes, Mariola can grow in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and the pot is large enough for the plant to grow.
Q: Is Mariola a good plant for attracting pollinators?
A: Yes, Mariola’s small flowers attract bees and other pollinators.
Q: How often should I prune my Mariola?
A: You can prune your Mariola in the late winter or early spring to shape it and remove any dead or damaged branches.
Q: Can I propagate Mariola from cuttings?
A: Yes, you can propagate Mariola from stem cuttings taken in the summer. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in well-draining soil.
Related Plants
– Eriogonum fasciculatum (California Buckwheat)- Eriogonum umbellatum (Sulfur Flower)- Eriogonum giganteum (St. Catherine’s Lace)
References
– Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. (n.d.). Eriogonum marifolium. Retrieved from https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ERMA2- USDA Plants Database. (n.d.). Eriogonum marifolium. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=ERMA2- Arizona State University. (n.d.). Eriogonum marifolium. Retrieved from https://calscape.org/Eriogonum-marifolium-()
