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Description
Spigelia Scabrella, commonly known as Indian Pink or Woodland Pinkroot, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Logania family. It is native to southeastern United States and can be found in the forests, woodlands, and along streams. The plant grows up to 2 feet tall and has a spread of 1 foot. It blooms in late spring to early summer and produces red tubular flowers that are about 1 inch long. The flowers are attractive to hummingbirds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Loganiaceae |
| Genus | Spigelia |
Appearance
Spigelia Scabrella has a slender stem that is covered with small, soft hairs. The leaves are opposite, lance-shaped, and up to 6 inches long. They are dark green and have a glossy surface. The flowers are bright red and tubular with five petals that are joined at the base. They are about 1 inch long and grow in clusters at the tip of the stem. The plant blooms in late spring to early summer and produces a showy display.
Care Guide
Spigelia Scabrella is easy to care for and requires minimal maintenance. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:- Water: Water the plant regularly during the growing season, but avoid overwatering. Allow the soil to dry out between watering.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A pH of 6.0 to 7.5 is ideal.- Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full shade. It can tolerate some morning sun, but avoid hot afternoon sun.- Hardiness Zones: Spigelia Scabrella is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Spigelia Scabrella is generally pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to spider mites, aphids, and snails. To prevent infestations, keep the plant healthy and free of debris. Regularly inspect the plant for signs of pests and treat them promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Spigelia Scabrella is native to the southeastern United States and can be found in the forests, woodlands, and along streams. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial to full shade. The plant is an important source of nectar for hummingbirds and other pollinators.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Spigelia Scabrella toxic to humans?
A: Yes, the plant contains toxic alkaloids that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other symptoms if ingested.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Spigelia Scabrella?
A: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: What is the ideal pH for Spigelia Scabrella?
A: The plant prefers a pH of 6.0 to 7.5.
Q: Can Spigelia Scabrella tolerate full sun?
A: No, the plant prefers partial shade to full shade. It can tolerate some morning sun, but avoid hot afternoon sun.
Related Plants
Here are some plants that are related to Spigelia Scabrella:- Spigelia marilandica (Maryland pinkroot)- Strychnos nux-vomica (poison nut)- Gelsemium sempervirens (Carolina jessamine)- Mitragyna speciosa (kratom)
References
– “Spigelia Scabrella.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 25 August 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287623&isprofile=0&basic=Spigelia%20scabrella.- “Spigelia Scabrella.” Plant Database. Accessed 25 August 2021. https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/species/spigelia/scabrella/.
