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Description
Streptanthus Tortuosus, also known as twistflower, is a flowering plant native to California, USA. It belongs to the family Brassicaceae and is an herbaceous perennial plant. The plant can grow up to 1 meter in height and has greenish-grey leaves that are 5-10 cm long. The flowers of the Streptanthus Tortuosus are typically pinkish-purple and bloom in late spring to early summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Genus | Streptanthus |
Appearance
The Streptanthus Tortuosus plant has a unique appearance, with long, narrow stems that twist and turn as they grow. The leaves are slightly hairy and have a greyish-green color. The flowers are pinkish-purple, with four petals that form a cruciform shape. The flowers are arranged in clusters at the top of the stem and can be up to 2 cm in diameter. The plant can grow up to 1 meter in height and has a bushy, spreading habit.
Care Guide
Water: Streptanthus Tortuosus plants require moderate watering, with the soil being allowed to dry out slightly between watering.Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once in the spring and again in the fall.Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade.Hardiness Zones: The plant thrives in USDA hardiness zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Streptanthus Tortuosus plant is relatively disease-resistant, but it can be susceptible to fungal infections such as powdery mildew. Insect pests such as aphids and whiteflies may also infest the plant. These can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
The Streptanthus Tortuosus plant is native to California and can be found growing in a variety of habitats, including chaparral, oak woodlands, and coastal sage scrub.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I fertilize my Streptanthus Tortuosus plant?
A: Fertilize the plant once in the spring and again in the fall.Q: What are the common pests that can infest the Streptanthus Tortuosus plant?
A: Insect pests such as aphids and whiteflies can infest the plant.Q: What kind of soil does the Streptanthus Tortuosus plant prefer?
A: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.Q: What is the preferred sunlight exposure for the Streptanthus Tortuosus plant?
A: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade.
Related Plants
- Streptanthus barbiger
- Streptanthus campestris
- Streptanthus cordatus
- Streptanthus glandulosus
- Streptanthus hispidus
References
- “Streptanthus tortuosus.” Calflora. https://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-calrecnum=7792
- “Twistflower.” Las Pilitas Nursery. https://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/479–streptanthus-tortuosus
- “Streptanthus tortuosus.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=strt4
