Jaumea

Description

Jaumea is a genus of flowering plants that belongs to the sunflower family. It comprises only one species, Jaumea carnosa, which is also known as green carpetweed or Jaumea weed. This plant is native to the southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central America. Jaumea is a low-growing, mat-forming plant that can be used as a ground cover. It has fleshy, succulent leaves that are green to gray-green in color. The flowers are small and yellow, and they bloom in the summer and fall.

Taxonomic Information

Domain	Eukarya
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Tracheophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Asterales
Family	Asteraceae
Genus	Jaumea

Appearance

Jaumea is a small, low-growing plant that can reach a height of 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm) and a width of up to 2 feet (60 cm). It has fleshy, succulent leaves that are 1 to 2 inches (2.5-5 cm) long and 0.1 to 0.2 inches (0.25-0.5 cm) wide. The leaves are green to gray-green in color, and they are arranged in opposite pairs along the stems. The stems are thin and wiry, and they can root at the nodes, allowing the plant to spread quickly and form a dense mat. The flowers are small and yellow, and they are borne in clusters at the ends of the stems. They bloom from July to October.

Care Guide

Jaumea is a fairly easy plant to care for. Here are some tips on how to grow and care for this plant:Water: Jaumea prefers well-drained soil and does not like to be overwatered. Water it deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering in the winter.Fertilization: Jaumea does not require fertilization, but you can apply a balanced fertilizer once in the spring if you want to encourage growth.Soil: Jaumea prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. It can tolerate poor soil, but it will grow best in soil that is enriched with organic matter.Sunlight: Jaumea prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it will not flower as much.Hardiness Zones: Jaumea is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.

Common Pests & Diseases

Jaumea is not commonly affected by pests or diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if it is overwatered. To prevent this, make sure the soil is well-drained and do not water too frequently. If you notice any signs of disease or pests, such as yellowing leaves or insect damage, remove the affected parts of the plant and treat it with an appropriate pesticide or fungicide.

Habitat

Jaumea is native to the southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central America. It can be found in a variety of habitats, including deserts, grasslands, and coastal areas. It prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate drought and poor soil conditions.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Jaumea an invasive plant?A: No, Jaumea is not considered an invasive plant. It spreads slowly and is not known to be a threat to native plant species.Q: Can Jaumea be grown in containers?A: Yes, Jaumea can be grown in containers as long as the container has good drainage and the soil is well-drained.Q: Does Jaumea attract bees?A: Yes, Jaumea is a good plant to attract bees and other pollinators to your garden.Q: Can Jaumea be used as a ground cover?A: Yes, Jaumea is often used as a ground cover because it forms a dense mat and can tolerate foot traffic.

Related Plants

Here are some plants that are related to Jaumea:

• Artemisia
• Baccharis
• Chrysothamnus
• Ericameria
• Gutierrezia
• Haplopappus
• Isocoma
• Senecio
• Solidago

References

• Baldwin, B. G. (2015). Jaumea. In Jepson Flora Project (eds.) Jepson eFlora.
• Munz, P. A. (1973). A California Flora and Supplement. Berkeley: University of California Press.
• Nesom, G. L. (2006). The taxonomy of Jaumea (Asteraceae: Astereae). Sida, 22(2), 901-912.