Contents
Description
Apera is a genus of plants that belongs to the Poaceae family. These plants are commonly known as the “loose silky-bent” due to their silky inflorescence. The Apera genus contains about 15 species. These plants are native to Europe and Asia and grow in fields, meadows, and waste places. Apera species are annual or perennial grasses with erect or spreading stems that can reach up to 1 meter in height. They have long, narrow leaves and produce small, inconspicuous flowers that are arranged in a panicle.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Monocotyledonae |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Apera |
Appearance
Apera plants have erect or spreading stems that can grow up to 1 meter in height. They possess long, narrow leaves that are usually folded in the bud. The leaves are green in color and can be up to 15 cm long and 1 cm wide. The inflorescence is a panicle that is up to 10 cm long, with branches that are up to 4 cm long. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, with a silky texture. The seeds are small, oval, and flattened. They are greenish-gray or brown in color.
Care Guide
Apera plants are easy to care for and require minimal maintenance. They prefer well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. These plants require moderate watering, and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Apera plants need full sunlight to thrive, but they can tolerate partial shade. They are hardy in USDA zones 3-9. Fertilization should be done once every two weeks using a balanced fertilizer. These plants can be propagated by seed or division. Division should be done in the spring or fall.
Common Pests & Diseases
Apera plants are generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, they may be susceptible to rust, leaf spot, and smut. These diseases can be treated with a fungicide. Common pests that may attack Apera plants include aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs. These pests can be controlled by spraying the plants with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Apera plants are native to Europe and Asia and can be found growing in fields, meadows, and waste places. They prefer open habitats with well-draining soils. These plants are adapted to a wide range of climatic conditions and can grow in both temperate and tropical regions.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the common name for Apera plants?
A: The common name for Apera plants is “loose silky-bent.”
Q: Are Apera plants annual or perennial?
A: Apera plants can be either annual or perennial.
Q: What type of soil do Apera plants prefer?
A: Apera plants prefer well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter.
Q: What pests are commonly found on Apera plants?
A: Common pests that may attack Apera plants include aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs.
Related Plants
- Agrostis
- Dactylis
- Festuca
- Poa
- Setaria
References
- Flora of China. (n.d.). Apera. Flora of China. http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=101684
- USDA. (n.d.). Plants Profile for Apera spica-venti (loose silky-bent). USDA. https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=APSP
