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Description
Polycarena Aurea, also known as Golden Star, is a small, evergreen shrub native to South Africa. It belongs to the family Scrophulariaceae and is a popular choice for ornamental gardens due to its striking appearance and easy care requirements.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Scrophulariaceae |
| Genus | Polycarena |
Appearance
Polycarena Aurea has dense, bushy foliage consisting of small, glossy, deep green leaves. The plant produces bright yellow, star-shaped flowers that bloom in late winter and early spring, adding a splash of color to the garden. The flowers are approximately 2cm in diameter and grow in clusters at the end of the stems. The plant grows up to 1m in height and 0.5m in width.
Care Guide
Polycarena Aurea is an easy-to-care-for plant that requires minimal maintenance. Here are some care tips:
- Water: Water the plant weekly during the growing season and reduce watering in winter.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining, sandy soil. Add organic matter to the soil to improve drainage.
- Sunlight: Polycarena Aurea prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Polycarena Aurea is generally pest and disease-free. However, the plant may be susceptible to spider mites, thrips, and mealybugs. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant may also be prone to root rot if the soil is too wet. Ensure that the soil is well-draining to prevent this.
Habitat
Polycarena Aurea is native to South Africa and grows in rocky, well-draining soil in the wild. The plant is adapted to hot, dry conditions and can tolerate drought. It grows in full sun to partial shade and is commonly found in coastal regions.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Polycarena Aurea grow in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and the pot is placed in a sunny location.
Q: How often should I prune Polycarena Aurea?
A: Prune the plant after flowering to maintain its shape and remove dead or damaged branches.
Q: Can the plant tolerate frost?
A: No, Polycarena Aurea is not frost-tolerant and should be protected from freezing temperatures.
Q: How often should I fertilize Polycarena Aurea?
A: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season, from spring to fall.
Related Plants
- Polycarena Sellowiana
- Polycarena Glabra
- Polycarena Procumbens
References
- Flora of North America. (2021). Scrophulariaceae. Retrieved from https://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=10744
- Gardening Know How. (2021). Golden Star Plant Info: Tips For Growing Golden Star Flowers. Retrieved from https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/golden-star/golden-star-plant-info.htm
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (2021). Polycarena Aurea. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=k460
