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Description
Aspalathus Sceptrum-Aureum, also known as Golden Aspalathus, is a shrub that is native to South Africa. This plant belongs to the Fabaceae family and has an average height of 1 meter. It is a popular ornamental plant due to its golden yellow flowers that bloom during the summer months.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Aspalathus |
Appearance
Golden Aspalathus has a unique and striking appearance. Its foliage is made up of thin, needle-like leaves that are bright green in color. The flowers are a vibrant shade of golden yellow and grow in clusters along the stems. They have a sweet, honey-like fragrance that is enticing to bees and other pollinators.
Care Guide
Golden Aspalathus is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. It can grow in a range of soil types, as long as it is well-draining. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and requires regular watering during the growing season. Fertilization is not necessary, but can be done once a year with a balanced fertilizer. Golden Aspalathus is hardy to USDA zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Golden Aspalathus is generally free from pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too moist. To avoid this, make sure the soil is well-draining and do not overwater the plant.
Habitat
Golden Aspalathus is native to the Western Cape region of South Africa. It can be found growing in sandy or rocky soils in the fynbos biome, which is a unique and diverse ecosystem that is home to many endemic plant species.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Golden Aspalathus be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Golden Aspalathus can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and the plant receives adequate sunlight.
Q: How often should Golden Aspalathus be watered?
A: Golden Aspalathus should be watered regularly during the growing season, but be sure to allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Q: Can Golden Aspalathus be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, Golden Aspalathus can be propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer or early autumn.
Q: Is Golden Aspalathus toxic to pets?
A: There is no evidence to suggest that Golden Aspalathus is toxic to pets, but it is always best to keep pets away from plants that they may try to eat.
Related Plants
- Aspalathus linearis
- Aspalathus nigra
- Aspalathus capensis
- Aspalathus acuminata
References
- Aspalathus Sceptrum-Aureum. (n.d.). PlantZAfrica. Retrieved January 10, 2022, from https://www.plantzafrica.com/plantab/aspalscep.htm
- Golden Aspalathus. (n.d.). Gardenia. Retrieved January 10, 2022, from https://www.gardenia.net/plant-variety/aspalathus-sceptrum-aureum-golden-aspalathus
- Aspalathus Sceptrum-Aureum. (n.d.). The Plant List. Retrieved January 10, 2022, from http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/ild-4142
