Contents
Description
Pseudoselago Pulchra, commonly known as False Mountain Groundsel or False Mountain Ragwort, is a perennial herbaceous plant that originates from South Africa. It belongs to the family Asteraceae and is native to the winter rainfall region of the Western Cape.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Pseudoselago |
Appearance
Pseudoselago Pulchra grows up to 20cm in height and 10cm in width. Its leaves are small, narrow, and covered in fine hairs. It produces yellow flowers that bloom in spring and summer. The flower heads are composed of many small flowers that are arranged in a flat-topped cluster. The plant’s green leaves and yellow flowers contrast well, making it an attractive addition to any garden.
Care Guide
Water: False Mountain Groundsel needs regular watering during the growing season. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to encourage healthy growth and blooming.
Soil: It prefers well-draining, sandy soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be kept slightly acidic with a pH level of 6.0 to 6.5.
Sunlight: It grows well in full sun to partial shade. However, it requires a minimum of 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Hardiness Zones: It thrives in hardiness zones 8 to 10, where the temperature ranges from 10°C to 35°C.
Common Pests & Diseases
False Mountain Groundsel is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be affected by aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. These pests can be controlled using insecticidal soap or neem oil. It can also be affected by fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust. These diseases can be prevented by ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.
Habitat
False Mountain Groundsel is native to the winter rainfall region of the Western Cape in South Africa. It grows in rocky, sandy soils in full sun to partial shade. It is commonly found in mountainous regions and along the coast.
Question and Answer
Q: Is False Mountain Groundsel poisonous?
A: False Mountain Groundsel is not poisonous to humans. However, it can be toxic to livestock if ingested in large quantities.
Q: Can False Mountain Groundsel be grown in pots?
A: Yes, False Mountain Groundsel can be grown in pots as long as they are well-draining and have enough space for the plant to grow.
Q: How often should I fertilize False Mountain Groundsel?
A: Apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to encourage healthy growth and blooming.
Q: How do I propagate False Mountain Groundsel?
A: False Mountain Groundsel can be propagated by division or seed. Division should be done in spring, while seeds should be sown in autumn.
Related Plants
- Pseudoselago Spinescens
- Pseudoselago Gracillima
- Pseudoselago Retrorsa
References
- The Plant List (2021). Pseudoselago Pulchra. Retrieved from https://www.theplantlist.org/tpl/record/gcc-142460
- Gardenia (2021). Pseudoselago Pulchra. Retrieved from https://www.gardenia.net/plant-variety/pseudoselago-pulchra-false-mountain-ragwort
- PlantZAfrica (2004). Pseudoselago Pulchra. Retrieved from http://pza.sanbi.org/pseudoselago-pulchra
