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Description
Tragia Urens, also known as “Stinging Nettle” or “Scorpion Sting,” is a perennial plant that belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. The plant is native to South America but can now be found in various parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, and Australia. Tragia Urens is a dioecious plant, which means that it has separate male and female individuals.The plant’s leaves are simple, alternate, and ovate. They are about 2-6 cm long and 1-3 cm wide. The leaves have serrated edges and are covered with small hairs that can cause skin irritation. The flowers of Tragia Urens are small and greenish-white, and they grow in clusters at the end of the branches. The fruit of the plant is a capsule that contains three seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae |
| Genus | Tragia |
Appearance
Tragia Urens is a small plant that can grow up to 1 meter tall. The plant’s stem is covered with tiny hairs, and it can be green or reddish-brown in color. The leaves of the plant are green and have serrated edges. The flowers of Tragia Urens are small and greenish-white, and they grow in clusters at the end of the branches. The fruit of the plant is a capsule that contains three seeds.
Care Guide
Water: Tragia Urens prefers moist soil, so it is important to water it regularly. However, be careful not to overwater the plant, as this can lead to root rot.Fertilization: Tragia Urens does not require fertilization, as it can grow in poor soil conditions. However, if you want to promote growth and health, you can fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.Soil: Tragia Urens can grow in a variety of soil types, but it prefers well-draining soil. The pH of the soil should be between 6.0 and 7.5.Sunlight: Tragia Urens prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun. However, if the plant is exposed to too much sunlight, it can become stressed and develop yellow leaves.Hardiness Zones: Tragia Urens is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Tragia Urens is generally a hardy plant that is not prone to pests and diseases. However, it can be attacked by spider mites and aphids, which can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant can also develop root rot if it is overwatered or planted in poorly draining soil.
Habitat
Tragia Urens is native to South America but can now be found in various parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, and Australia. The plant grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and disturbed areas. Tragia Urens prefers moist soil and partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Tragia Urens poisonous?A: Yes, Tragia Urens is poisonous. The plant contains a toxin called phorbol ester, which can cause skin irritation, blistering, and other symptoms. It is important to handle the plant with gloves and avoid touching it with bare skin.Q: Can Tragia Urens be grown indoors?A: Yes, Tragia Urens can be grown indoors as long as it is provided with sufficient light and moisture.Q: Can Tragia Urens be propagated from cuttings?A: Yes, Tragia Urens can be propagated from stem cuttings taken in the spring or summer. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in well-draining soil.Q: How tall can Tragia Urens grow?A: Tragia Urens can grow up to 1 meter tall.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Tragia Urens:
- Tragia Volubilis
- Tragia Involucrata
- Tragia Ramosa
- Tragia Plukenetii
References
- “Tragia Urens.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=291370.
- “Tragia Urens.” Plants of the World Online, www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:350682-1.
- “Tragia Urens.” Floridata, www.floridata.com/Plants/Euphorbiaceae/Tragia%20urens/999.
