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Description
Lycianthes Lycioides, commonly known as boxleaf Lycianthes or Christmasberry, is a species of flowering plant from the Solanaceae family. It is native to Mexico and Central America and is often grown as an ornamental plant in gardens due to its attractive foliage and flowers. The plant grows up to 3 to 6 feet tall and wide, and it has slender branches with small, glossy, and leathery leaves. The flowers of the Lycianthes Lycioides are small, star-shaped, and purple in color, and they bloom in clusters from late summer to early fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Solanales |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Genus | Lycianthes |
Appearance
Lycianthes Lycioides is an evergreen shrub with a compact and rounded shape. It has a height and spread of about 3 to 6 feet. The plant has small, glossy, and leathery leaves that are arranged alternately on the stems. The leaves are dark green in color and have a slightly serrated edge. The flowers of the Lycianthes Lycioides are small, star-shaped, and purple in color. They bloom in clusters from late summer to early fall. The fruits of the plant are small, round, and red in color.
Care Guide
Water: Lycianthes Lycioides requires moderate watering. It should be watered deeply once a week during the growing season and once every two weeks during the dormant season.Fertilization: The plant should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and summer.Soil: Lycianthes Lycioides prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade.Hardiness Zones: Lycianthes Lycioides can grow in hardiness zones 8 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Lycianthes Lycioides is susceptible to a few pests and diseases. The common pests that affect the plant include spider mites, whiteflies, and aphids. The plant is also susceptible to root rot and fungal leaf spots. To prevent these pests and diseases, it is recommended to keep the plant in well-draining soil, avoid overwatering, and remove any dead or diseased plant material.
Habitat
Lycianthes Lycioides is native to Mexico and Central America, where it grows in tropical and subtropical forests. The plant prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Lycianthes Lycioides a frost-tolerant plant?
A: No, Lycianthes Lycioides is not frost-tolerant and cannot survive in temperatures below 20°F.Q: Can Lycianthes Lycioides be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Lycianthes Lycioides can be grown indoors in a bright location with sufficient sunlight.Q: How often should Lycianthes Lycioides be pruned?
A: Lycianthes Lycioides should be pruned once a year in the early spring to remove any dead or diseased branches.Q: How long does it take for Lycianthes Lycioides to bloom?
A: Lycianthes Lycioides blooms from late summer to early fall, and it takes about 2 to 3 years for the plant to reach maturity and start blooming.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Lycianthes Lycioides that you might be interested in:
- Lycianthes rantonnetii
- Lycianthes biflora
- Lycianthes setigera
- Lycianthes ceratocarpa
References
- “Lycianthes Lycioides.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed July 20, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=279291.
- “Lycianthes Lycioides.” Plant Care Guide. Accessed July 20, 2021. https://www.plantcareguide.com/lycianthes-lycioides/.
- “Lycianthes Lycioides.” Gardening Know How. Accessed July 20, 2021. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/boxleaf-lycianthes/boxleaf-lycianthes-shrubs.htm.
