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Description
Lomatium Martindalei, also known as Martindale’s Biscuitroot, is a perennial plant that is native to the western parts of North America. It is a member of the Apiaceae family and can grow up to 3 feet tall. The plant produces a thick taproot that can be up to 2 feet long and 1 inch wide. The stem is stout and covered with short hairs, which makes it rough to the touch. The leaves are basal and can grow up to 1 foot long with many segments. The flowers are small and yellow, clustered in umbels that can grow up to 6 inches wide.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Apiales |
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Genus | Lomatium |
Appearance
Lomatium Martindalei has a distinctive appearance. It has a stout stem covered with short hairs, which makes it rough to the touch. The leaves are basal and can grow up to 1 foot long with many segments. The flowers are small and yellow, clustered in umbels that can grow up to 6 inches wide. The plant produces a thick taproot that can be up to 2 feet long and 1 inch wide. The taproot is often twisted and knotted, making it difficult to extract from the ground.
Care Guide
Lomatium Martindalei is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in the wild. However, if you want to cultivate it in your garden, here are some care tips:
- Water: The plant is drought-tolerant and does not require much watering. Water it only when the soil is dry.
- Fertilization: The plant does not require fertilization.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is slightly alkaline.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sunlight but can tolerate some shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Lomatium Martindalei is not susceptible to many pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by the following:
- Aphids: Aphids can suck the sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing leaves.
- Spider mites: Spider mites can cause yellowing and bronzing of the leaves.
- Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves.
Habitat
Lomatium Martindalei is native to the western parts of North America, including California, Nevada, and Oregon. It grows in dry, sandy or rocky soils, in grasslands, chaparral, and oak woodlands. The plant is often found on slopes and ridges, at elevations ranging from 500 to 7,500 feet.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Lomatium Martindalei edible?
A: Some species of Lomatium are edible, but we do not recommend consuming Lomatium Martindalei.
Q: Can Lomatium Martindalei be grown indoors?
A: Lomatium Martindalei is a wild plant that does not thrive indoors. It is best to grow it outdoors.
Q: Can Lomatium Martindalei be propagated by cuttings?
A: Lomatium Martindalei is best propagated by seed.
Q: Does Lomatium Martindalei have medicinal properties?
A: Some species of Lomatium have medicinal properties, but we do not recommend using Lomatium Martindalei for medicinal purposes.
Related Plants
- Lomatium dasycarpum
- Lomatium dissectum
- Lomatium grayi
- Lomatium nudicaule
References
- “Lomatium Martindalei.” USDA Plants Database. Accessed 16 August 2021. https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=LOMA3.
- Starr, Greg. “Lomatium Martindalei.” Las Pilitas Nursery. Accessed 16 August 2021. https://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/941–lomatium-martindalei.
- “Martindale’s Biscuitroot Lomatium Martindalei.” Wildflower.org. Accessed 16 August 2021. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=loma3.
