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Description
Aciphylla Crosby-Smithii, also known as the “Crosby-Smith’s Spaniard,” is a rare and unique plant that belongs to the family Apiaceae. It is native to New Zealand and is commonly found growing in the mountainous regions of the South Island. This plant is characterized by its spiky foliage, which can grow up to 1 meter in height. The leaves are gray-green in color and are deeply lobed, giving the appearance of a giant dandelion. The Aciphylla Crosby-Smithii produces yellow-green flowers in the early summer months, which are followed by small fruits that contain seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Apiales |
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Genus | Aciphylla |
Appearance
Aciphylla Crosby-Smithii is a unique and striking plant that can add a touch of drama and texture to any garden. The leaves are spiky and deeply lobed, giving the plant a dandelion-like appearance. The foliage is gray-green in color, and the plant can grow up to 1 meter in height. The yellow-green flowers that bloom in early summer are small and delicate and are followed by small fruits that contain seeds.
Care Guide
Aciphylla Crosby-Smithii is a hardy plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips for keeping your plant healthy:- Water: This plant prefers well-draining soil and does not like to be overwatered. Water the plant only when the soil is dry to the touch.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a year in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer.- Soil: This plant prefers well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. If the soil is too heavy or clay-like, add sand or perlite to improve drainage.- Sunlight: Aciphylla Crosby-Smithii prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Aciphylla Crosby-Smithii is generally free from pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to fungal infections if it is overwatered or grown in poorly draining soil. The best way to prevent these issues is to ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged, and that the plant is grown in well-draining soil.
Habitat
Aciphylla Crosby-Smithii is native to New Zealand and is commonly found growing in the mountainous regions of the South Island. This plant prefers well-draining soil and full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 10.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Aciphylla Crosby-Smithii be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Aciphylla Crosby-Smithii can be grown in containers as long as the pot is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system and the soil is well-draining.
Q: How often should I fertilize Aciphylla Crosby-Smithii?
A: Fertilize the plant once a year in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer.
Q: Does Aciphylla Crosby-Smithii prefer full sun or partial shade?
A: Aciphylla Crosby-Smithii prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Q: Is Aciphylla Crosby-Smithii a drought-tolerant plant?
A: No, Aciphylla Crosby-Smithii prefers well-draining soil and should be watered when the soil is dry to the touch.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Aciphylla Crosby-Smithii:- Aciphylla Colensoi- Aciphylla Horrida- Aciphylla Squarrosa- Aciphylla Subflabellata
References
– “Aciphylla Crosby-Smithii.” Plant Finder. Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 23, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=278965.- “Aciphylla Crosby-Smithii.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed August 23, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/14628/Aciphylla-Crosby-Smithii/Details.
