Contents
Description
Anchusella is a genus of flowering plants from the family Boraginaceae, native to the Andes in South America. It is a small, herbaceous plant that produces delicate, blue or purple flowers that bloom in the summer. Anchusella is commonly known as “Alpine forget-me-not” due to its small, forget-me-not-like flowers.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Boraginales |
| Family | Boraginaceae |
| Genus | Anchusella |
Appearance
Anchusella is a small plant that grows up to 15 cm in height. It has narrow, lance-shaped leaves that grow in a basal rosette. The leaves are hairy and can be up to 6 cm long. The flowers of Anchusella are small, bell-shaped, and grow in clusters at the end of slender stems. The flowers are typically blue or purple and have a diameter of about 5 mm. Anchusella blooms in the summer months and the flowers last for several weeks.
Care Guide
Anchusella is a relatively easy plant to care for. It prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. It also requires regular watering, especially during dry spells. Anchusella can be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. It prefers full sunlight but can tolerate some shade. Anchusella is hardy in USDA zones 3-7.
Common Pests & Diseases
Anchusella is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. It can also be affected by powdery mildew, which is a fungal disease that causes a white, powdery substance to form on the leaves. To prevent powdery mildew, ensure that the plant is not overcrowded and has good air circulation.
Habitat
Anchusella is native to the Andes in South America, where it grows in alpine meadows and rocky slopes at high altitudes. It prefers cool, moist conditions and is often found in areas with snowmelt or high rainfall.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Anchusella be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Anchusella can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and the plant is watered regularly.
Q: How often should Anchusella be fertilized?
A: Anchusella can be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.
Q: Is Anchusella toxic to pets?
A: There is no evidence that Anchusella is toxic to pets. However, it is always best to keep plants out of reach of pets.
Q: How long do Anchusella flowers last?
A: Anchusella flowers can last for several weeks during the summer months.
Related Plants
- Myosotis – commonly known as forget-me-nots
- Borago – commonly known as borage
- Symphytum – commonly known as comfrey
References
- “Anchusella.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 17 July 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anchusella.
- “Anchusella.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286383.
- “Alpine Forget-Me-Not (Anchusella).” Plant Information Online, University of Minnesota Libraries Publishing, plantinfo.umn.edu/node/1399985.
