Contents
Description
Alectra Sessiliflora is a parasitic plant that belongs to the Orobanchaceae family. It is commonly known as the sessile-flowered Indian paintbrush and is native to North America. This plant is an annual herb that grows from 10-40 cm tall and has a greenish-yellow stem. The flowers are bright red or pink and are arranged in clusters at the top of the stem. Alectra Sessiliflora is a hemiparasite, meaning it can photosynthesize but also requires a host plant to obtain nutrients.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Orobanchaceae |
| Genus | Alectra |
Appearance
The leaves of Alectra Sessiliflora are reduced to scales and are alternate along the stem. The flowers are tubular and have two lips, with the upper lip having two lobes and the lower lip having three lobes. The plant blooms from June to August and produces small capsules containing numerous seeds. The seeds are dispersed by wind and can remain dormant in the soil for several years until a suitable host plant is available.
Care Guide
Alectra Sessiliflora requires a host plant to survive and cannot be grown independently. However, if you have a suitable host plant, you can encourage the growth of Alectra Sessiliflora by providing it with optimal conditions. Here are some care tips:
- Water: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Alectra Sessiliflora does not require fertilization as it obtains its nutrients from the host plant.
- Soil: Alectra Sessiliflora prefers well-draining soils.
- Sunlight: This plant prefers partial to full sunlight.
- Hardiness Zones: Alectra Sessiliflora grows in hardiness zones 4 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Alectra Sessiliflora is not known to be susceptible to any pests or diseases.
Habitat
Alectra Sessiliflora is native to North America and can be found growing in prairies, meadows, and open woodlands. It typically parasitizes plants in the Asteraceae family, such as goldenrods and sunflowers.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Alectra Sessiliflora poisonous?
A: No, Alectra Sessiliflora is not poisonous.
Q: Can Alectra Sessiliflora be grown indoors?
A: No, Alectra Sessiliflora cannot be grown indoors as it requires a host plant to survive.
Q: How long does it take for Alectra Sessiliflora to grow?
A: Alectra Sessiliflora typically grows from seed to maturity in one growing season.
Q: What is the best host plant for Alectra Sessiliflora?
A: Alectra Sessiliflora typically parasitizes plants in the Asteraceae family, such as goldenrods and sunflowers.
Related Plants
- Alectra Vogelii
- Alectra Viscida
- Alectra Weberbaueri
References
- USDA Plants Database: Alectra Sessiliflora
- Encyclopedia of Life: Alectra Sessiliflora
- Missouri Botanical Garden: Alectra Sessiliflora
