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Description
Ribes Inerme, also known as Desert Gooseberry or White Thorn, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Grossulariaceae family. This plant is native to the western part of North America, including California, Nevada, and Arizona. The plant has a sprawling habit, and its branches can grow up to 6 feet in length. The leaves of Ribes Inerme are rounded, lobed, and have a serrated edge. The flowers are small, white, and bloom in clusters. The fruit of this plant is a yellowish-green berry covered in fine spines.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Saxifragales |
| Family | Grossulariaceae |
| Genus | Ribes |
Appearance
Ribes Inerme is a thorny shrub that can grow up to 6 feet in height and width. The leaves are green, rounded, and have a lobed shape with a serrated edge. The flowers are small and white, and they bloom in clusters. The fruit is a yellowish-green berry covered in fine spines.
Care Guide
Ribes Inerme is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:- Water: Ribes Inerme prefers moderate watering during the growing season. Water the plant deeply once a week and ensure that the soil is well-drained.- Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy growth.- Soil: This plant prefers well-drained, fertile soil. If your soil is heavy, amend it with compost or peat moss.- Sunlight: Ribes Inerme prefers full sun to partial shade. Ensure that the plant receives at least six hours of sunlight per day.- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Ribes Inerme is relatively pest and disease-free. However, here are some common issues that you may encounter:- Aphids: These pests can be controlled by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap.- Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease can be prevented by ensuring good air circulation around the plant.
Habitat
Ribes Inerme is native to the western part of North America and is commonly found in dry, rocky areas. This plant can tolerate drought and harsh growing conditions, making it an ideal choice for xeriscaping.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Ribes Inerme edible?
A: Yes, the fruit of Ribes Inerme is edible and is used to make jams and jellies.
Q: Can Ribes Inerme tolerate frost?
A: Yes, this plant is relatively frost-tolerant.
Q: How often should I fertilize Ribes Inerme?
A: Apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Q: Does Ribes Inerme attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the flowers of this plant attract bees and other pollinators.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Ribes Inerme:- Ribes aureum (Golden Currant)- Ribes cereum (Wax Currant)- Ribes malvaceum (Chaparral Currant)- Ribes sanguineum (Red-flowering Currant)
References
– “Ribes Inerme.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Accessed October 10, 2021. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=RIIN.- “Ribes Inerme.” University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources. Accessed October 10, 2021. https://ucanr.edu/sites/ucmgnevada/Rare_Plants/Ribes_inerme_Desert_Gooseberry/.- “Ribes Inerme.” USDA Plants Database. Accessed October 10, 2021. https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=RIIN.
