Contents
Description
Microtoena Delavayi is a species of flowering plant found in the family Lamiaceae. It is native to the Yunnan province of China and is commonly known as Delavay’s mint. The plant is an evergreen perennial herb that grows up to 30 cm in height. The leaves of the plant are ovate, with a length of 2-3 cm and a width of 1.5-2 cm. The flowers of the plant are pink-purple in color and are arranged in whorls around the stem.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Microtoena |
Appearance
The Microtoena Delavayi plant has a unique appearance that makes it stand out from other flowering plants. It has small, ovate leaves that are dark green in color and grow in pairs along the stem. The leaves are slightly hairy, giving the plant a soft texture. The flowers of the plant are arranged in whorls around the stem, with each whorl containing 6-10 flowers. The flowers are pink-purple in color and have a tubular shape.
Care Guide
Microtoena Delavayi is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some guidelines:
- Water: The plant should be watered regularly, but not overwatered. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: The plant should be fertilized once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full sun.
- Hardiness Zones: Microtoena Delavayi is hardy in USDA zones 7-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Microtoena Delavayi is relatively pest and disease resistant. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. In addition, spider mites, mealybugs, and whiteflies can infest the plant.
Habitat
The Microtoena Delavayi plant is native to the Yunnan province of China. It grows in mountainous areas at elevations of 2,000-3,000 meters. The plant prefers well-drained soil and partial shade to full sun.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Microtoena Delavayi a medicinal plant?
A: Yes, the plant is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat stomach disorders.
Q: Can Microtoena Delavayi be grown indoors?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown indoors as long as it receives adequate sunlight.
Q: How often should Microtoena Delavayi be fertilized?
A: The plant should be fertilized once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: How tall does Microtoena Delavayi grow?
A: The plant can grow up to 30 cm in height.
Related Plants
- Microtoena albiflora
- Microtoena brachyodon
- Microtoena chamaedryoides
- Microtoena gracilis
References
- “Microtoena Delavayi.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287347&isprofile=0&
- “Microtoena Delavayi.” Plants of the World Online, www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:452561-1
- “Microtoena Delavayi.” Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, www.kew.org/science/tropamerica/imagedatabase/name/Microtoena_delavayi.html
