Contents
Description
Pectocarya Pusilla, commonly known as Tiny Pectocarya, is a small plant that belongs to the Boraginaceae family. This plant is native to the Sonoran and Mojave deserts of the United States and Mexico. It is an annual plant that grows up to 10 cm tall and spreads up to 30 cm wide. The plant blooms from March to May and produces small white flowers.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Boraginales |
| Family | Boraginaceae |
| Genus | Pectocarya |
Appearance
The Pectocarya Pusilla has narrow and elongated leaves that grow up to 2 cm long. The leaves are hairy and have a gray-green color. The plant produces small, white flowers that grow up to 3 mm wide. The flowers have five petals and a yellow center. The plant’s stem is also hairy and can grow up to 10 cm tall. The plant’s seeds are small and have a spiny texture.
Care Guide
Water
Pectocarya Pusilla is a desert plant and requires minimal watering. It is best to water the plant only when the soil is completely dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Fertilization
The plant does not require regular fertilization. However, you can add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil during the growing season.
Soil
Pectocarya Pusilla prefers well-draining soil with a pH level of 6.0 to 7.5. You can add sand or perlite to the soil to improve drainage.
Sunlight
The plant requires full sunlight to grow and thrive.
Hardiness Zones
The plant can grow in hardiness zones 8a to 11b.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Pectocarya Pusilla is relatively disease and pest-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. You can prevent root rot by ensuring the soil is well-draining and not watering the plant excessively.
Habitat
The Pectocarya Pusilla is native to the Sonoran and Mojave deserts of the United States and Mexico. It grows in sandy and rocky soils and can be found in desert washes, valleys, and hills.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Pectocarya Pusilla grow in shaded areas?
A: No, the plant requires full sunlight to grow and thrive.
Q: How often should I water Pectocarya Pusilla?
A: The plant requires minimal watering and should only be watered when the soil is completely dry.
Q: What is the best soil type for Pectocarya Pusilla?
A: The plant prefers well-draining soil with a pH level of 6.0 to 7.5.
Q: What are the hardiness zones for Pectocarya Pusilla?
A: The plant can grow in hardiness zones 8a to 11b.
Related Plants
- Pectocarya Heterocarpa
- Pectocarya Setosa
- Pectocarya Linearis
- Pectocarya Penicillata
References
- “Pectocarya Pusilla.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Accessed August 20, 2021. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=PEPU3.
- “Pectocarya Pusilla.” Pacific Bulb Society. Accessed August 20, 2021. https://www.pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/index.php/PectocaryaPusilla.
- “Pectocarya Pusilla.” Arizona State University. Accessed August 20, 2021. https://cals.arizona.edu/yavapaiplants/SpeciesDetailForb.php?genus=Pectocarya&species=pusilla.
