Contents
Description
Schwackaea is a genus of flowering plants that belongs to the family Goodeniaceae. It comprises of around 10-20 species of annual or perennial herbs that are native to Australia, primarily in the southwestern region of Western Australia. The plants have small, tubular flowers with five petals that are usually blue or purple in color. The genus is named after the German botanist, Wilhelm Schwacke.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Goodeniaceae |
| Genus | Schwackaea |
Appearance
Schwackaea plants have a compact growth habit with small, lance-shaped leaves that are usually gray-green in color. The flowers are small and tubular, with five petals that are usually blue or purple in color. The plants have a height of around 30-40 cm and a spread of 20-30 cm. The flowers bloom in the summer months and are attractive to bees and other pollinators.
Care Guide
Water
Schwackaea plants prefer a well-draining soil that is moist but not waterlogged. They should be watered regularly, especially during the hot summer months, but care should be taken not to overwater the plants.
Fertilization
These plants do not require frequent fertilization. However, a slow-release fertilizer can be applied during the growing season to promote healthy growth and blooming.
Soil
Schwackaea plants prefer a well-draining soil that is slightly acidic with a pH range of 5.5-6.5. The soil should be enriched with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure.
Sunlight
These plants prefer full sun or partial shade. They can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can lead to poor growth and blooming.
Hardiness Zones
Schwackaea plants are hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Schwackaea plants are generally not prone to pests and diseases. However, they can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust if the plants are grown in humid conditions. Aphids and spider mites can also infest the plants, especially during the dry summer months.
Habitat
Schwackaea plants are native to Australia, primarily in the southwestern region of Western Australia. They grow in a variety of habitats, including sand dunes, rocky outcrops, and heathlands.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Schwackaea plants tolerate drought?
A: These plants prefer moist soil, but they can tolerate some drought once established.
Q: Do Schwackaea plants require pruning?
A: These plants do not require frequent pruning. However, deadheading spent blooms can promote continuous blooming.
Q: Can Schwackaea plants be grown in containers?
A: These plants can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s growth.
Q: Are Schwackaea plants toxic to pets?
A: There is no evidence to suggest that these plants are toxic to pets.
Related Plants
- Goodenia
- Scaevola
- Lechenaultia
- Stackhousia
References
- “Schwackaea.” Australian Plant Name Index (APNI), Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government. Accessed 22 August 2021. https://biodiversity.org.au/nsl/services/search/names?q=Schwackaea.
- “Schwackaea.” PlantNet, National Botanic Garden of Belgium. Accessed 22 August 2021. https://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77125833-1.
- “Schwackaea.” Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. Accessed 22 August 2021. https://www.rbg.vic.gov.au/science/plants-of-victoria/flora-of-victoria/schwackaea.
