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Raoulia Parkii

Raoulia Parkii

Description

Raoulia Parkii, also known as the mini sheep’s burr or Park’s cushion, is a low-growing, evergreen shrub that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to New Zealand and is commonly found in rocky alpine areas of the South Island. The plant has small woolly leaves that form a dense mat, making it an excellent groundcover. It is a slow-growing plant that can reach a height of up to 10 cm and a spread of 30 cm.

Taxonomic Information

Domain Eukarya
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Tracheophyta
Class Magnoliopsida
Order Asterales
Family Asteraceae
Genus Raoulia

Appearance

The Raoulia Parkii plant has small, round leaves that are covered in a dense layer of white hairs. The leaves are typically 3-5 mm long and 1-2 mm wide. The plant produces tiny yellow flowers that appear in late spring or early summer. The flowers are arranged in clusters on short stems and are approximately 3 mm in diameter. The plant forms a dense mat that can range in color from green to silver-gray, depending on the amount of sunlight it receives.

Care Guide

Raoulia Parkii is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. The plant is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. It is best to water the plant deeply but infrequently. Fertilization is not necessary, as the plant can obtain the necessary nutrients from the soil. Raoulia Parkii is hardy in zones 5-9 and can tolerate temperatures as low as -15°C.

Common Pests & Diseases

The Raoulia Parkii plant is generally pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. Overwatering can also attract pests such as aphids and mealybugs. These pests can be removed by spraying the plant with a mixture of water and dish soap.

Habitat

Raoulia Parkii is native to New Zealand and is commonly found in rocky alpine areas of the South Island. It is well-adapted to the harsh alpine environment and is often used in rock gardens or as a groundcover in dry, sunny areas. The plant is tolerant of poor soil conditions and can grow in a variety of soil types.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Raoulia Parkii a good plant for a rock garden?
A: Yes, Raoulia Parkii is an excellent plant for a rock garden. It is well-adapted to the harsh alpine environment and is often used as a groundcover in dry, sunny areas.

Q: How often should I water Raoulia Parkii?
A: Raoulia Parkii is a drought-tolerant plant and does not require frequent watering. It is best to water the plant deeply but infrequently.

Q: What is the hardiness zone for Raoulia Parkii?
A: Raoulia Parkii is hardy in zones 5-9 and can tolerate temperatures as low as -15°C.

Q: How do I remove pests from Raoulia Parkii?
A: Pests such as aphids and mealybugs can be removed by spraying the plant with a mixture of water and dish soap.

Related Plants

  • Raoulia Albosericea
  • Raoulia Glabra
  • Raoulia Hookeri
  • Raoulia Lutescens

References

  • Cullen, J. et al. (2011). The European Garden Flora, Volume III: Dicotyledons (Part 2). Cambridge University Press.
  • Heenan, P. B., & Mitchell, A. D. (1997). Raoulia parkii (Compositae: Gnaphalieae), a new species from the South Island, New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Botany, 35(2), 161-165.
  • Wardle, P. (2011). Alpine plants of New Zealand. Te Papa Press.

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