Trachymene
Contents
Description
Trachymene is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Apiaceae, commonly known as the parsley family. These plants are native to Australia, where they are found in different habitats such as forests, woodlands, and heathlands. The genus consists of around 15 species of annual or perennial herbs and shrubs. Some species of Trachymene are cultivated as ornamental plants, while others are used for medicinal purposes.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Apiales |
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Genus | Trachymene |
Appearance
Trachymene plants have alternate, simple leaves that are usually pinnate or bipinnate. The flowers are small, white or blue, and arranged in umbels. The fruit is a schizocarp, which splits into two mericarps at maturity. The size and shape of the mericarps vary between species. Some have flattened or winged fruits, while others have round or oblong fruits. The plants can grow up to 1 meter in height, depending on the species.
Care Guide
Trachymene plants require well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. They prefer full sun to partial shade and can tolerate a range of temperatures. Watering should be done regularly but not excessively, as the plants can be prone to root rot. Fertilization can be done with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. Trachymene plants are hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Trachymene plants may be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust. They may also be affected by pests such as aphids and spider mites. Proper care and maintenance can help prevent these issues.
Habitat
Trachymene plants are native to Australia, where they are found in different habitats such as forests, woodlands, and heathlands. Some species of Trachymene are also found in New Zealand.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Trachymene plants be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Trachymene plants can be grown indoors as long as they receive adequate sunlight and are kept in well-draining soil.
Q: Is Trachymene a good plant for attracting pollinators?
A: Yes, Trachymene plants are attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Q: Can Trachymene plants be used for medicinal purposes?
A: Yes, some species of Trachymene have traditional medicinal uses in Australia and are used to treat various ailments.
Q: Are Trachymene plants easy to care for?
A: Yes, Trachymene plants are relatively easy to care for and can be grown by gardeners of all levels of experience.
Related Plants
- Apium graveolens (celery)
- Carum carvi (caraway)
- Cuminum cyminum (cumin)
- Foeniculum vulgare (fennel)
- Petroselinum crispum (parsley)
References
- “Trachymene.” Australian Plant Name Index (APNI). Australian National Botanic Gardens. Accessed 22 Nov. 2021. https://biodiversity.org.au/nsl/services/search/names?taxon_name=trachymene.
- “Trachymene.” Flora of Australia Online. Australian Biological Resources Study. Accessed 22 Nov. 2021. https://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/abrs/online-resources/flora/main/index.html.
- “Trachymene.” Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Accessed 22 Nov. 2021. http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77179809-1.
