Morina Kokonorica

Description

Morina Kokonorica, also known as the Himalayan whorlflower, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the family Morinaceae. It is native to the Himalayas, from Bhutan to central Nepal, and can be found growing in alpine meadows and rocky slopes at elevations between 3,000 and 4,500 meters.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Morina Kokonorica is a clump-forming plant that grows up to 60 cm tall and 30 cm wide. It has large, basal leaves that are lanceolate in shape, with toothed margins and a slightly hairy texture. The stem is erect, branching, and covered in small, prickly spines. The flowers are arranged in whorls around the stem, with each whorl consisting of up to 20 small, pinkish-purple flowers. The flowering period is from June to August.

Care Guide

Morina Kokonorica is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips for growing and caring for this plant:

• Water: This plant prefers well-draining soil and does not like to be overwatered. Water it deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering during the winter months.
• Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to promote healthy growth and flowering.
• Soil: Plant Morina Kokonorica in a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A soil pH of 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal.
• Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can reduce flowering.
• Hardiness Zones: Morina Kokonorica is hardy to USDA zones 5 to 9.

Common Pests & Diseases

Morina Kokonorica is generally pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. To prevent this, make sure to plant it in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. In addition, watch out for slugs and snails, which may feed on the leaves and flowers. Use organic slug and snail bait to control these pests.

Habitat

Morina Kokonorica is native to the Himalayas, where it grows in alpine meadows and rocky slopes at elevations between 3,000 and 4,500 meters. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate cold temperatures and high altitudes.

Question and Answer

Here are some frequently asked questions about Morina Kokonorica:

• Q: Is Morina Kokonorica a hardy plant?
• A: Yes, Morina Kokonorica is a hardy plant that can tolerate cold temperatures and high altitudes. It is hardy to USDA zones 5 to 9.
• Q: How often should I water Morina Kokonorica?
• A: Water Morina Kokonorica deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering during the winter months.
• Q: What kind of soil does Morina Kokonorica prefer?
• A: Morina Kokonorica prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A soil pH of 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal.
• Q: Does Morina Kokonorica have any pests or diseases?
• A: Morina Kokonorica is generally pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. Watch out for slugs and snails, which may feed on the leaves and flowers.

Related Plants

Other plants in the Morina genus include:

• Morina persica
• Morina longifolia
• Morina saussureana
• Morina polyphylla

References

• “Morina kokonorica” in Flora of China
• “Morina kokonorica” in Plants of the World Online
• “Morina kokonorica” in The Alpine Garden Society