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Description
Spergularia media, commonly known as the Greater Sea-spurrey, is an annual or perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Caryophyllaceae. It is native to Europe, North Africa, and western Asia, but can also be found in other parts of the world. It is a low-growing plant that can reach up to 30 cm in height and forms a dense mat. The plant produces pale pink to white flowers that bloom from May to August. The leaves are linear and fleshy, and the stems are slender and branching.
Taxonomic Information
Below is the taxonomic information of Spergularia media:
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Caryophyllaceae |
| Genus | Spergularia |
Appearance
Spergularia media has a prostrate growth habit and forms a dense mat. The plant can grow up to 30 cm in height and produces pale pink to white flowers that bloom from May to August. The leaves are linear and fleshy, and the stems are slender and branching. The plant is commonly found in coastal areas, salt marshes, and dunes.
Care Guide
Spergularia media is a relatively low-maintenance plant. Here are some tips for taking care of this plant:
Water
The plant prefers well-draining soil and does not require frequent watering. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Fertilization
Spergularia media does not require fertilization.
Soil
The plant prefers well-draining soil that is slightly alkaline. It can tolerate poor soil conditions and salt spray.
Sunlight
The plant prefers full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness Zones
Spergularia media can grow in USDA hardiness zones 5-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Spergularia media is generally pest and disease resistant. However, the plant may be susceptible to root rot if the soil is not well-draining. Overwatering can also lead to fungal diseases.
Habitat
Spergularia media is commonly found in coastal areas, salt marshes, and dunes. It prefers sandy or gravelly soil and can tolerate poor soil conditions and salt spray. The plant is native to Europe, North Africa, and western Asia, but can also be found in other parts of the world.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Spergularia media a perennial or annual plant?
A: Spergularia media can be either an annual or a perennial plant.
Q: What is the ideal soil pH for growing Spergularia media?
A: Spergularia media prefers slightly alkaline soil.
Q: What is the blooming period of Spergularia media?
A: Spergularia media produces pale pink to white flowers that bloom from May to August.
Q: What are the common pests and diseases that affect Spergularia media?
A: Spergularia media is generally pest and disease resistant. However, it may be susceptible to root rot if the soil is not well-draining, and overwatering can lead to fungal diseases.
Related Plants
- Spergularia rubra
- Spergularia marina
- Spergularia canadensis
References
- https://www.gbif.org/species/3179375
- https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/61850-Spergularia-media
- https://www.brc.ac.uk/plantatlas/plant/spergularia-media
