Contents
Description
Acanthospermum is a genus of flowering plants that belongs to the Asteraceae family. This genus consists of about 30 species, which are native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, Africa, and Asia. The name Acanthospermum is derived from the Greek words “akantha” meaning “thorn” and “sperma” meaning “seed,” which refers to the spiny seeds produced by the plants.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Acanthospermum |
Appearance
Acanthospermum plants are small, annual or perennial herbs that can grow up to 1 meter tall. They have erect stems that are often branched and covered with spiny leaves. The leaves are alternate, simple, and deeply lobed, with toothed margins. The flowers are small and yellow, and they are arranged in clusters at the ends of the stems. The fruits are small, dry, and spiny, and they contain a single seed.
Care Guide
Acanthospermum plants are easy to grow and care for, as they are tolerant of a wide range of environmental conditions. Here are some tips on how to care for these plants:- Water: Acanthospermum plants prefer well-drained soil that is kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water them regularly, especially during dry periods.- Fertilization: These plants do not require heavy fertilization, but they can benefit from occasional applications of a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: Acanthospermum plants grow well in a variety of soil types, but they prefer well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5.- Sunlight: These plants prefer full sun to partial shade, but they can tolerate some shade.- Hardiness Zones: Acanthospermum plants are hardy in USDA zones 9 through 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Acanthospermum plants are generally not affected by many pests or diseases, but they can be susceptible to certain issues. Here are some common pests and diseases to watch out for:- Whiteflies- Aphids- Leaf miners- Powdery mildew- Root rot
Habitat
Acanthospermum plants are native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, Africa, and Asia. They are often found in disturbed areas such as roadsides, fields, and pastures. Some species are also found in wetlands, forests, and savannas.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Acanthospermum plants be grown indoors?
A: Yes, these plants can be grown indoors as long as they are provided with bright light and adequate moisture.
Q: Are Acanthospermum plants toxic to pets?
A: There is no evidence to suggest that these plants are toxic to pets, but it is always a good idea to keep pets away from plants to avoid any potential issues.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Acanthospermum plants?
A: These plants do not require heavy fertilization, but they can benefit from occasional applications of a balanced fertilizer. Fertilize them once a month during the growing season.
Q: Can Acanthospermum plants be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, these plants can be propagated from stem cuttings taken in the spring or summer. Dip the cut ends in rooting hormone and plant them in moist soil.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants that are also members of the Asteraceae family:- Achillea- Arctium- Echinacea- Helianthus- Rudbeckia
References
– “Acanthospermum.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=m940.- “Acanthospermum.” Plants of the World Online, www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30014515-2.- “Acanthospermum.” The Plant List, www.theplantlist.org/1.1/browse/A/Compositae/Acanthospermum/.
