Contents
Description
Podalyria Hirsuta, commonly known as the silky bush pea, is a beautiful flowering plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to South Africa and is commonly found in the Cape Province. The plant is a small, evergreen shrub that grows up to 1 meter in height. It has a multi-stemmed habit and produces purple and white flowers in the spring and summer months. The leaves of the plant are linear and covered in fine hairs, which give it a silky texture.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Podalyria |
Appearance
The silky bush pea is a small, evergreen shrub that grows up to 1 meter in height. It has a multi-stemmed habit and produces purple and white flowers in the spring and summer months. The leaves of the plant are linear and covered in fine hairs, which give it a silky texture. The flowers are pea-shaped and grow in clusters at the end of the stems. They are usually purple or white in color and have a sweet fragrance.
Care Guide
Podalyria Hirsuta is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. It requires a well-draining soil and moderate watering. The plant should be fertilized once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. It prefers full sun to partial shade and is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The silky bush pea is generally pest and disease-free. However, it may be susceptible to spider mites and aphids. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant may also suffer from root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly draining soil.
Habitat
The silky bush pea is native to South Africa and is commonly found in the Cape Province. It grows in sandy and rocky soils in fynbos and renosterveld vegetation types. It is well adapted to the Mediterranean climate of the region, which is characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Podalyria Hirsuta a drought-tolerant plant?
A: Yes, Podalyria Hirsuta is a drought-tolerant plant and can survive in dry conditions.
Q: How often should I fertilize my silky bush pea?
A: Podalyria Hirsuta should be fertilized once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Podalyria Hirsuta?
A: Podalyria Hirsuta is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Q: Can I grow Podalyria Hirsuta in a container?
A: Yes, Podalyria Hirsuta can be grown in a container as long as it has well-draining soil and receives adequate sunlight.
Related Plants
- Podalyria Sericea
- Podalyria Calyptrata
- Podalyria Burchellii
- Podalyria Argentea
References
- “Podalyria hirsuta.” PlantZAfrica, SANBI. Accessed 22 June 2021. https://www.plantzafrica.com/plantnop/podalyriahirs.htm.
- “Podalyria hirsuta.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 22 June 2021. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c809.
- “Podalyria hirsuta.” South African National Biodiversity Institute. Accessed 22 June 2021. https://www.sanbi.org/creature/podalyria-hirsuta/.
