Araujia Sericifera
Contents
Description
Araujia Sericifera, commonly known as the Moth Vine, is a perennial vine that is native to South America. It belongs to the Asclepiadaceae family and is known for its fragrant white flowers that bloom in the summer. The flowers are star-shaped and have five petals with a yellow center. The Moth Vine is a fast-growing plant and can reach up to 20 feet in height.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Asclepiadaceae |
| Genus | Araujia |
Appearance
The leaves of the Moth Vine are glossy and heart-shaped, with a dark green color. The vines are twining and can grow up to 20 feet in length. The flowers are fragrant and have a sweet scent, attracting moths and butterflies. The flowers are followed by green fruits that turn brown as they mature, containing numerous seeds that are dispersed by the wind.
Care Guide
The Moth Vine is a low maintenance plant and is easy to care for. It prefers well-draining soil and requires moderate watering. Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. The Moth Vine requires full sun to partial shade and can grow in hardiness zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Moth Vine is not prone to many pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies. It can also be affected by root rot if the soil is too wet. To prevent these issues, ensure that the plant is grown in well-draining soil and monitor it regularly for signs of pests or diseases.
Habitat
The Moth Vine is native to South America and is commonly found in Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay. It can grow in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and disturbed areas. The plant has also been introduced to other parts of the world, including the United States, where it is considered an invasive species in some regions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Moth Vine poisonous?
A: Yes, the Moth Vine contains toxic sap that can cause skin irritation and digestive issues if ingested.
Q: Can the Moth Vine be grown indoors?
A: No, the Moth Vine requires full sun to partial shade and is best grown outdoors.
Q: Does the Moth Vine attract butterflies?
A: Yes, the fragrant flowers of the Moth Vine attract moths and butterflies.
Q: How often should the Moth Vine be watered?
A: The Moth Vine prefers moderate watering and should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry.
Related Plants
- Araujia hortorum
- Araujia odorata
- Asclepias curassavica
- Asclepias tuberosa
- Ceropegia woodii
References
- “Araujia sericifera.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 16, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b592.
- “Araujia sericifera.” PlantNet. Accessed August 16, 2021. https://identify.plantnet.org/species/araujia-sericifera.
- Gledhill, David. The Names of Plants. Cambridge University Press, 2008.
