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Description
Vicia Ciliatula is a flowering plant species that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa. This plant is also known by other common names such as hairy tare, fringed tare, and ciliate vetch. Vicia Ciliatula is an herbaceous plant that can grow up to 60cm tall. It produces small, white or pink flowers that bloom from May to August. The plant is commonly used as a forage crop for livestock and is also used in soil improvement due to its ability to fix nitrogen.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Vicia |
Appearance
Vicia Ciliatula has a slender and hairy stem that can grow up to 60cm tall. Its leaves are pinnate and have narrow leaflets that are less than 1cm wide. The flowers are small, white or pink, and grow in clusters. The fruit is a legume that contains one to three seeds. The plant has a deep root system that helps it to access water and nutrients from the soil.
Care Guide
Vicia Ciliatula is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of conditions. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:
Water: Water Vicia Ciliatula regularly, especially during dry spells. However, avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization: Vicia Ciliatula does not require a lot of fertilizer. However, you can apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring to support growth.
Soil: Vicia Ciliatula prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can grow in a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
Sunlight: Vicia Ciliatula grows best in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can lead to poor growth and flowering.
Hardiness Zones: Vicia Ciliatula is hardy in USDA zones 3-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Vicia Ciliatula is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by the following:
Botrytis: This fungal disease can cause gray mold on the leaves and stems of Vicia Ciliatula. It can be treated with fungicides.
Aphids: These insects can suck the sap from the leaves of Vicia Ciliatula, leading to stunted growth and yellowing leaves. They can be controlled with insecticides or by introducing natural predators.
Habitat
Vicia Ciliatula is native to Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa. It can grow in a wide range of habitats, including meadows, grasslands, and disturbed areas. The plant is commonly used as a forage crop for livestock and is also used in soil improvement due to its ability to fix nitrogen.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Vicia Ciliatula an annual or perennial plant?
A: Vicia Ciliatula is a perennial plant.
Q: Can Vicia Ciliatula grow in containers?
A: Yes, Vicia Ciliatula can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough for the plant to grow and has good drainage.
Q: Is Vicia Ciliatula poisonous?
A: No, Vicia Ciliatula is not poisonous.
Q: Can Vicia Ciliatula be used as a cover crop?
A: Yes, Vicia Ciliatula is often used as a cover crop due to its ability to fix nitrogen and improve soil health.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Vicia Ciliatula:
- Vicia Sativa
- Vicia Faba
- Vicia Villosa
- Vicia Narbonensis
References
- “Vicia ciliatula.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 31, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b674
- “Vicia ciliatula Wallr.” Plants of the World Online. Accessed August 31, 2021. http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:60453265-2
- “Vicia ciliatula.” Flora of North America. Accessed August 31, 2021. http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=242415954
