Baeckea
Contents
Description
Baeckea is a small flowering plant that belongs to the heath family. It is native to Australia and is commonly found in heathlands, swamps, and forests. The plant has small, needle-like leaves and produces small, white or pink flowers that bloom in the spring and summer. Baeckea is an evergreen plant that can grow up to 2 meters tall. It is a popular choice for gardeners and is often used in landscaping.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain| Eukaryota ||————-|———–|| Kingdom| Plantae|| Phylum| Tracheophyta || Class| Magnoliopsida || Order| Myrtales || Family| Myrtaceae || Genus| Baeckea |
Appearance
Baeckea has small, needle-like leaves that are about 1-2mm long. The leaves are arranged in whorls around the stem and are green in color. The plant produces small, white or pink flowers that are about 6mm in diameter. The flowers have five petals and a central cluster of stamens. Baeckea is an evergreen plant that can grow up to 2 meters tall. The bark of the plant is thin and smooth.
Care Guide
Baeckea is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for Baeckea:- Water: Baeckea prefers moist soil, so water it regularly. However, be careful not to overwater, as this can cause root rot.- Fertilization: Baeckea does not require much fertilizer. You can fertilize it with a balanced fertilizer once a year in the spring.- Soil: Baeckea prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. If the soil is too alkaline, the plant may develop yellow leaves.- Sunlight: Baeckea prefers full sun to partial shade. However, it can tolerate some shade.- Hardiness Zones: Baeckea is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Baeckea is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. Additionally, the plant may attract scale insects and mealybugs. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Baeckea is native to Australia and is commonly found in heathlands, swamps, and forests. The plant prefers moist, well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. Baeckea is a popular choice for gardeners and is often used in landscaping.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Baeckea tolerate drought?
A: No, Baeckea prefers moist soil and cannot tolerate drought.
Q: How often should I fertilize Baeckea?
A: Baeckea does not require much fertilizer. You can fertilize it with a balanced fertilizer once a year in the spring.
Q: What is the ideal pH for Baeckea?
A: Baeckea prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.5-6.5.
Q: How tall can Baeckea grow?
A: Baeckea can grow up to 2 meters tall.
Related Plants
Here are some plants that are related to Baeckea:- Melaleuca- Callistemon- Leptospermum- Eucalyptus
References
– “Baeckea.” Australian Native Plants Society (Australia). Accessed 12 October 2021. https://anpsa.org.au/bae.html.- “Baeckea.” PlantNet. Accessed 12 October 2021. https://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Baeckea~microphylla.
