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Description
Rotheca Myricoides, also known as Blue Butterfly Bush or Blue Cat’s Whiskers, is a small shrub that belongs to the family of Acanthaceae. It is native to Southern and Eastern Africa, and it can grow up to 3 meters tall. This plant produces beautiful blue to purple flowers that resemble a butterfly, which is why it is also called Blue Butterfly Bush. It is a popular ornamental plant that is often grown in gardens, parks, and landscapes.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Acanthaceae |
| Genus | Rotheca |
Appearance
Rotheca Myricoides has a dense, bushy growth habit with dark green leaves that are 5-10 cm long and 2-4 cm wide. The flowers are produced in spikes that are 5-10 cm long, and each spike can have up to 20 individual flowers. The flowers are a beautiful blue to purple color with a white throat and are about 3 cm long. The plant blooms from spring to summer, and the flower spikes can last for several weeks.
Care Guide
Rotheca Myricoides is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips for keeping it healthy:
Water: Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, water twice a week or whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Reduce watering in the winter.
Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer every three months during the growing season to promote healthy growth and flowering.
Soil: Plant Rotheca Myricoides in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil pH levels but prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil.
Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can reduce blooming.
Hardiness Zones: Rotheca Myricoides is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Rotheca Myricoides is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can occasionally be affected by spider mites and whiteflies. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant can also be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly draining soil.
Habitat
Rotheca Myricoides is native to Southern and Eastern Africa and can be found growing in grasslands, woodlands, and along riverbanks. In its native habitat, it is often visited by butterflies and bees that are attracted to its beautiful flowers.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Rotheca Myricoides be grown indoors?
A: Yes, it can be grown indoors in a bright location with plenty of sunlight. Make sure to water it regularly and fertilize it during the growing season.
Q: How often should I prune my Rotheca Myricoides?
A: Prune the plant in late winter or early spring to promote bushier growth and more blooms. Remove any dead or damaged branches and cut back any overgrown branches to maintain the desired shape.
Q: Can Rotheca Myricoides be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, it can be propagated from softwood cuttings taken in the spring or early summer. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and the cuttings in a bright, warm location until they root.
Q: How long do the flowers of Rotheca Myricoides last?
A: The flowers can last for several weeks, depending on the growing conditions and the age of the plant.
Related Plants
Here are some plants that are related to Rotheca Myricoides:
- Rotheca Myricoides ‘Ugandense’ – a cultivar with darker blue flowers
- Rotheca Myricoides ‘Purple Haze’ – a cultivar with purple flowers
- Rotheca Incisa – a species with pink to purple flowers
- Rotheca Serpyllifolia – a species with white to pink flowers
References
- “Rotheca Myricoides.” The Royal Horticultural Society, https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/9329/Rotheca-myricoides/Details.
- “Rotheca Myricoides.” Missouri Botanical Garden, https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=281580.
- “Rotheca Myricoides.” PlantZAfrica, http://pza.sanbi.org/rotheca-myricoides.
