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Description
Melica Picta, commonly known as the striped melic grass or the painted melic grass, is an ornamental grass that belongs to the Poaceae family. This grass is native to the Mediterranean region and can be found growing wild in Italy, Greece, and Turkey. Melica Picta is a clump-forming grass that can grow up to 50cm in height and 30cm in width. This grass is known for its striking green and white striped leaves that have a slightly arching habit.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Melica |
Appearance
Melica Picta is a beautiful grass that can add a touch of elegance to your garden. The leaves of this grass are green with white stripes that run parallel to the length of the blade. The leaves are narrow, flat, and slightly arching. The flowers of Melica Picta appear in early summer and are held on upright stems that can reach up to 70cm in height. The flowers are green and have a delicate, airy appearance. Once the flowers have faded, they are replaced by small, brown seeds that can be used for propagation.
Care Guide
Melica Picta is a low-maintenance grass that is easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for this beautiful grass:Water: Melica Picta prefers moist but well-draining soil. Water the grass deeply once or twice a week during the growing season. Reduce watering in the winter when the grass is dormant.Fertilization: Fertilize Melica Picta in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to lush growth that is susceptible to disease.Soil: Melica Picta prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Amend clay soil with compost or sand to improve drainage.Sunlight: Melica Picta prefers full sun to partial shade. Plant this grass in a location that receives at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day.Hardiness Zones: Melica Picta is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Melica Picta is a relatively pest and disease-free grass. However, it can be susceptible to rust and leaf spot. These diseases can be prevented by providing adequate air circulation and avoiding overhead watering. Insects such as aphids and mealybugs can occasionally infest Melica Picta. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Melica Picta is native to the Mediterranean region and can be found growing wild in Italy, Greece, and Turkey. This grass prefers well-draining soil and can be found growing in meadows, open woodlands, and along roadsides. Melica Picta can tolerate drought and is adapted to Mediterranean climates.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Melica Picta deer-resistant?
A: Yes, Melica Picta is deer-resistant.Q: Can Melica Picta be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Melica Picta can be grown in containers. Use a well-draining potting mix and water the grass regularly.Q: How often should Melica Picta be divided?
A: Melica Picta should be divided every 3-4 years to prevent overcrowding.Q: Can Melica Picta be used for erosion control?
A: Yes, Melica Picta can be used for erosion control on slopes and banks.
Related Plants
Here are some plants that are closely related to Melica Picta:
- Melica uniflora
- Melica nutans
- Melica ciliata
- Melica altissima
References
- “Melica Picta.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 26 May 2021. <https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a487>
- “Melica Picta.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed 26 May 2021. <https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/369526/Melica-picta/Details>
- “Melica Picta.” Plants for a Future. Accessed 26 May 2021. <https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Melica+picta>
