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Description
Rupicapnos Africana, also known as African bleeding heart or African poppy, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Papaveraceae family. It is native to the south-western parts of Africa, including Angola, Namibia, and South Africa. The plant has beautiful, unique flowers that bloom in shades of pink, red, or white. Its leaves are green and fern-like, and the plant can grow up to 1.5 meters tall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ranunculales |
| Family | Papaveraceae |
| Genus | Rupicapnos |
| Species | Rupicapnos Africana |
Appearance
Rupicapnos Africana has beautiful, unique flowers that bloom in shades of pink, red, or white. Its flowers have four petals and are shaped like a heart with a drop of blood, giving it its common names, African bleeding heart or African poppy. The flowers grow on long, slender stems that can reach up to 70cm in length. The leaves of the plant are green and fern-like, and the plant can grow up to 1.5 meters tall.
Care Guide
Water
Rupicapnos Africana requires moderate watering. It is important to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Fertilization
Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Avoid fertilizing the plant during the dormant season.
Soil
The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mixture of peat moss, sand, and loam soil is ideal for Rupicapnos Africana.
Sunlight
The plant can tolerate full sun to partial shade. However, it prefers bright, indirect sunlight.
Hardiness Zones
Rupicapnos Africana is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Rupicapnos Africana is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it may be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. Aphids and spider mites may also infest the plant.
Habitat
Rupicapnos Africana is native to the south-western parts of Africa, including Angola, Namibia, and South Africa. The plant grows in dry, rocky areas, and is often found in the shade of larger plants.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Rupicapnos Africana a poisonous plant?
A: No, Rupicapnos Africana is not poisonous.
Q: Can Rupicapnos Africana be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Rupicapnos Africana can be grown indoors in bright, indirect sunlight.
Q: How often should I water Rupicapnos Africana?
A: Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Q: What is the blooming season of Rupicapnos Africana?
A: Rupicapnos Africana blooms from late winter to early summer.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants in the Papaveraceae family:
- Papaver rhoeas (Common Poppy)
- Eschscholzia californica (California Poppy)
- Argemone mexicana (Mexican Prickly Poppy)
References
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/african-bleeding-heart/african-bleeding-heart-care.htm
- https://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=3843
- https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/312650/Rupicapnos-africanus/Details
