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Description
Anthocercis Viscosa, commonly known as the woolly anthocercis, is a shrub that belongs to the Solanaceae family. It is native to Australia and grows in various habitats, including heathlands, forests, and woodlands. This evergreen shrub can grow up to 2 meters in height and 2 meters in width. It produces beautiful yellow flowers that bloom in spring and summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Solanales |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Genus | Anthocercis |
Appearance
The woolly anthocercis has narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are up to 9 cm long and 1 cm wide. The leaves are covered in fine, woolly hairs that give them a silvery appearance. The plant produces clusters of tubular, bright yellow flowers that are up to 4 cm long and 2 cm wide. The flowers are followed by small, woody capsules that contain many seeds. The shrub has a dense and bushy growth habit that makes it an excellent choice for hedging or screening.
Care Guide
The woolly anthocercis is a relatively low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips to help you keep your shrub healthy:
- Water: Water your plant deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
- Fertilization: Fertilize your plant with a slow-release fertilizer in spring and autumn.
- Soil: The woolly anthocercis grows best in well-draining, slightly acidic soil. If your soil is heavy or clayey, consider adding some sand or compost to improve drainage.
- Sunlight: The shrub prefers full sun to partial shade, although it can tolerate some shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The woolly anthocercis is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The woolly anthocercis is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may occasionally suffer from the following issues:
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and stippling of the leaves. Use a miticide to control them.
- Whiteflies: These insects can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control them.
- Root rot: This fungal disease can be caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil. To prevent it, make sure your plant is growing in well-draining soil and water it correctly.
Habitat
The woolly anthocercis is native to Australia and can be found growing in various habitats, including heathlands, forests, and woodlands. It prefers well-draining soils and can tolerate drought and heat.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the woolly anthocercis be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the shrub can be grown in containers as long as the pot is large enough to accommodate its root system.
Q: Does the woolly anthocercis require pruning?
A: The shrub does not require regular pruning, but you can prune it to shape it or control its size if needed.
Q: How often should I fertilize my woolly anthocercis?
A: Fertilize your plant with a slow-release fertilizer in spring and autumn.
Q: Is the woolly anthocercis toxic?
A: The plant is not known to be toxic to humans or animals.
Related Plants
- Anthocercis Littorea
- Anthocercis Viscosa var. glabrescens
- Anthocercis Viscosa var. longiflora
References
- https://www.anbg.gov.au/gnp/gnp8/anthocercis-viscosa.html
- https://www.gardeningwithangus.com.au/anthocercis-viscosa-woolly-anthocercis/
- https://www.abc.net.au/gardening/factsheets/woolly-anthocercis/9428420
