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Description
Mesosphaerum Suaveolens, commonly known as the fragrant mesosphaerum or honey mesosphaerum, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. It is native to tropical regions of Africa and Asia and is widely grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. The plant is known for its fragrant leaves and purple flowers that bloom in the summer months.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Mesosphaerum |
Appearance
The fragrant mesosphaerum can grow up to 1 meter in height and 0.5 meters in width. It has a bushy growth habit with numerous stems that are square-shaped and covered in fine hairs. The leaves are ovate-shaped and grow up to 8 cm in length. They have a bright green color and are covered in fine hairs. The flowers of the plant are arranged in dense spikes at the end of the stems. They are tubular-shaped and have a purple color with white markings on the lower lip. The flowers are highly fragrant and attract bees and butterflies.
Care Guide
Water: The fragrant mesosphaerum requires regular watering during the growing season. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. During the winter months, the plant should be watered sparingly.
Fertilization: The plant should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. This will help promote healthy growth and abundant flowering.
Soil: The fragrant mesosphaerum prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It should be placed in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Hardiness Zones: The fragrant mesosphaerum is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The fragrant mesosphaerum is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it may be susceptible to spider mites, whiteflies, and aphids. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant may also be affected by root rot if the soil is kept too wet.
Habitat
The fragrant mesosphaerum is native to tropical regions of Africa and Asia. It grows in open woodlands, savannas, and grasslands. The plant prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures.
Question and Answer
Q: Can fragrant mesosphaerum be grown indoors?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown indoors in a sunny location.
Q: How often should I fertilize my fragrant mesosphaerum?
A: The plant should be fertilized every two weeks during the growing season.
Q: How often should I water my fragrant mesosphaerum?
A: The plant should be watered regularly during the growing season. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged.
Q: What is the ideal temperature range for fragrant mesosphaerum?
A: The plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but prefers temperatures between 18°C and 27°C.
Related Plants
- Mesosphaerum Asperifolium
- Mesosphaerum Capitatum
- Mesosphaerum Cuspidatum
- Mesosphaerum Denticulatum
References
- “Mesosphaerum suaveolens.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b510
- “Mesosphaerum suaveolens.” PlantZAfrica. http://pza.sanbi.org/mesosphaerum-suaveolens
- “Fragrant Mesosphaerum.” Gardening Know How. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/mesosphaerum/fragrant-mesosphaerum.htm
