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Description
Malacothrix Saxatilis Var. Implicata, also known as Rock Desertdaisy, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to North America and is commonly found in the southwestern United States, particularly in California, Nevada, and Arizona. The plant thrives in hot and dry environments and can grow up to 2 feet in height.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Malacothrix |
Appearance
The Rock Desertdaisy has a slender stem with narrow, deeply lobed leaves that grow in a basal rosette. The leaves are hairy and range from 1-6 inches in length. The plant produces solitary flower heads on long stalks that can reach up to 12 inches in height. The flower heads are yellow and have a diameter of 1-2 inches. The plant blooms from March to June.
Care Guide
To care for the Rock Desertdaisy, it is essential to provide it with well-draining soil and full sun exposure. The plant is drought-resistant and can survive in hot and dry environments. It is best to water the plant once a week, allowing the soil to dry out between watering. Fertilization is not necessary, as the plant can thrive in nutrient-poor soil. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Rock Desertdaisy is relatively pest-free, but it may be susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. To prevent infestations, it is essential to keep the plant’s leaves clean and to remove any diseased or damaged foliage. The plant may also be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly draining soil.
Habitat
The Rock Desertdaisy can be found in a variety of habitats, including dry rocky slopes, desert washes, and sandy plains. The plant grows in elevations ranging from sea level to 7,000 feet and is commonly found in the Mojave and Sonoran deserts.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Rock Desertdaisy grow in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can grow in containers as long as the soil is well-draining.
Q: How often should I fertilize the Rock Desertdaisy?
A: Fertilization is not necessary, as the plant can thrive in nutrient-poor soil.
Q: Can the Rock Desertdaisy survive in cold temperatures?
A: No, the plant is only hardy in USDA zones 8-11 and cannot survive in freezing temperatures.
Q: Can I propagate the Rock Desertdaisy?
A: Yes, the plant can be propagated through division or from seed.
Related Plants
- Malacothrix Californica
- Malacothrix Glabrata
- Malacothrix Xantii
References
- “Malacothrix Saxatilis.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, University of Texas at Austin, www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=MASA3.
- “Malacothrix Saxatilis Var. Implicata.” Calflora, www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-taxon=Malacothrix+saxatilis+var.+implicata.
- “Rock Desertdaisy.” Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, www.desertmuseum.org/kids/oz/long-fact-sheets/Rock%20Desertdaisy.php.
