Contents
Description
Otholobium Stachyerum is a small, herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is native to South Africa and Zimbabwe and is commonly known as the Cape clover or Cape pea. It grows up to 30 cm tall and has a woody base with stems that are covered in fine hairs. The leaves are trifoliate and oval-shaped, with a length of 2-6 cm. The flowers are pink or purple and grow in clusters of 5-15. The plant blooms from late winter to early spring.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Otholobium |
Appearance
Otholobium Stachyerum has a compact and bushy growth habit. The woody base of the plant is covered in fine, silvery hairs that give it a fuzzy appearance. The stems are also covered in these hairs. The leaves are trifoliate and oval-shaped, with a medium-green color. The flowers are pink or purple and grow in clusters of 5-15. The petals are fused into a tube shape, with the upper petal forming a hood over the other four. The plant blooms from late winter to early spring.
Care Guide
Otholobium Stachyerum is an easy-to-grow plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips for its care:
- Water: Water the plant deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH level.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Otholobium Stachyerum is hardy in USDA zones 8-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Otholobium Stachyerum is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to spider mites and aphids. To prevent infestations, keep the plant healthy by providing proper care and regularly inspecting it for pests. If you notice an infestation, treat it with a natural or chemical insecticide.
Habitat
Otholobium Stachyerum is native to South Africa and Zimbabwe and is commonly found in rocky areas and along roadsides. It grows well in well-drained soil and prefers full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Otholobium Stachyerum a perennial or an annual plant?
A: Otholobium Stachyerum is a perennial plant.
Q: Can Otholobium Stachyerum grow in containers?
A: Yes, Otholobium Stachyerum can be grown in containers as long as the pot has good drainage and the plant receives proper care.
Q: How often should I fertilize Otholobium Stachyerum?
A: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Otholobium Stachyerum?
A: Otholobium Stachyerum is hardy in USDA zones 8-10.
Related Plants
- Otholobium Bracteolatum
- Otholobium Hirtum
- Otholobium Pubescens
References
- “Otholobium stachyerum.” PlantZAfrica, www.plantzafrica.com/plantnop/otholobstach.htm.
- “Otholobium.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 20 Mar. 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otholobium.
- “Cape Clover.” Monrovia, www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/3330/cape-clover/.
