Contents
Description
Acaena Dumicola, also known as New Zealand burweed or Hairy Acaena, is a flowering plant native to New Zealand. It is a low-growing, mat-forming groundcover that can reach up to 30cm in height. It has a woody stem and small, pinnate leaves that are green on top and white underneath. The plant produces small, pinkish-purple flowers that bloom in the summer and turn into burrs in the fall. These burrs are covered in tiny hooks that attach to clothing and animal fur, making them an effective seed dispersal mechanism.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Acaena |
Appearance
Acaena Dumicola has a unique appearance that makes it a popular choice for gardens and landscaping. Its small, pinnate leaves are green on top and white underneath, giving them a silvery appearance. The plant produces small, pinkish-purple flowers that bloom in the summer and turn into burrs in the fall. These burrs are covered in tiny hooks that attach to clothing and animal fur, making them an effective seed dispersal mechanism. Acaena Dumicola is a low-growing, mat-forming groundcover that can reach up to 30cm in height.
Care Guide
Acaena Dumicola is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:- Water: Acaena Dumicola is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. Water the plant deeply once a week during dry periods.- Fertilization: Acaena Dumicola does not require fertilizer, but you can apply a slow-release fertilizer in the spring if desired.- Soil: Acaena Dumicola prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils.- Sunlight: Acaena Dumicola prefers full sun to partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: Acaena Dumicola is hardy in USDA zones 6-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Acaena Dumicola is generally not susceptible to pests or diseases. However, it may be affected by root rot if grown in poorly-drained soil. To prevent this, ensure that the soil is well-drained and avoid over-watering.
Habitat
Acaena Dumicola is native to New Zealand and is commonly found in open, grassy areas and along roadsides. It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils. Acaena Dumicola is a hardy plant that can tolerate drought and full sun.
Questions and Answers
Q: Is Acaena Dumicola invasive?
A: Acaena Dumicola is not considered invasive in most areas. However, it may be aggressive in some regions and can spread quickly if not contained.
Q: Can Acaena Dumicola be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Acaena Dumicola can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-drained and the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: How often should Acaena Dumicola be fertilized?
A: Acaena Dumicola does not require frequent fertilization. You can apply a slow-release fertilizer in the spring if desired.
Q: Can Acaena Dumicola tolerate foot traffic?
A: Yes, Acaena Dumicola is a hardy groundcover that can tolerate foot traffic. However, it may be damaged by heavy foot traffic or machinery.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Acaena Dumicola:- Acaena inermis- Acaena microphylla- Acaena novae-zelandiae- Acaena saccaticupula
References
– “Acaena Dumicola.” Plant Finder. Missouri Botanical Garden, n.d. Web. 05 May 2021.- “Acaena Dumicola.” Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, n.d. Web. 05 May 2021.- “Acaena Dumicola.” New Zealand Plant Conservation Network. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 May 2021.
