Contents
Description
Anisacanthus is a genus of flowering plants in the family Acanthaceae, native to North America. It is commonly known as the desert honeysuckle due to its striking flowers, which resemble honeysuckle and bloom in the summer and fall. The plant is drought-tolerant and can survive in a variety of soils, making it a popular choice for xeriscaping. Anisacanthus is also known for its medicinal properties, and is used to treat various ailments in traditional medicine.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Acanthaceae |
| Genus | Anisacanthus |
Appearance
Anisacanthus is a shrub that can grow up to 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide. It has dark green leaves that are 2-3 inches long and 1-2 inches wide. The plant produces tubular flowers that are 1-2 inches long and come in shades of orange, red, and yellow. The flowers bloom in clusters at the ends of the stems and have a sweet fragrance. Anisacanthus also produces fruit that is a small, dry capsule containing numerous seeds.
Care Guide
Anisacanthus is a relatively low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips for caring for your Anisacanthus plant:- Water: Anisacanthus is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering in the fall and winter.- Fertilization: Anisacanthus does not require much fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring and summer.- Soil: Anisacanthus can grow in a variety of soils, but prefers well-draining soil. Amend heavy or clay soils with organic matter to improve drainage.- Sunlight: Anisacanthus prefers full sun, but can tolerate some shade.- Hardiness Zones: Anisacanthus is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Anisacanthus is relatively pest and disease-free, but can be affected by a few common problems. These include:- Spider mites: These pests suck sap from the leaves and can cause yellowing and wilting. Use insecticidal soap to control spider mites.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease causes a white, powdery coating on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and use a fungicide to control powdery mildew.- Root rot: Overwatering or poorly-draining soil can lead to root rot in Anisacanthus. Avoid overwatering and improve soil drainage to prevent root rot.
Habitat
Anisacanthus is native to North America, and can be found in a variety of habitats, including deserts, prairies, and woodlands. The plant is well-suited to dry, arid conditions, and is often used in xeriscaping.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Anisacanthus poisonous?
A: No, Anisacanthus is not poisonous.
Q: Can Anisacanthus be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Anisacanthus can be grown in containers, as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s size and the soil is well-draining.
Q: How often should Anisacanthus be pruned?
A: Anisacanthus does not require frequent pruning, but can be pruned in the spring to remove dead or damaged wood and to maintain its shape.
Q: Can Anisacanthus be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, Anisacanthus can be propagated from cuttings taken in the spring or fall.
Related Plants
Here are some plants that are related to Anisacanthus:- Justicia spicigera- Ruellia brittoniana- Strobilanthes dyerianus- Thunbergia grandiflora
References
– “Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Accessed September 29, 2021. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=anqtw.- “Anisacanthus.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 29, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c364.
