Contents
Description
Boerhavia Purpurascens, commonly known as red spiderling or purple spiderling, is a perennial plant belonging to the family Nyctaginaceae. It is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The plant has erect, thin stems that can grow up to 3 feet tall. It has small, lance-shaped green leaves and produces clusters of small, pink to purple flowers.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Nyctaginaceae |
| Genus | Boerhavia |
Appearance
The Boerhavia Purpurascens plant has thin, erect stems that can grow up to 3 feet tall. It has small, green leaves that are lance-shaped and alternate along the stem. The plant produces clusters of small, pink to purple flowers that bloom in the summer and fall. The flowers have five petals and are about 1/4 inch in diameter. The plant produces small, round, brown seeds that are about 1/16 inch in diameter.
Care Guide
Boerhavia Purpurascens is a relatively low maintenance plant. Here are some care tips:
- Water: The plant prefers well-draining soil and regular watering.
- Fertilization: The plant benefits from occasional fertilization with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil with a neutral pH.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Boerhavia Purpurascens is generally a healthy plant and is not prone to many pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by:
- Spider Mites: These pests can cause yellowing and leaf drop. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap.
- Aphids: These pests can cause distorted growth and yellowing. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap.
- Root Rot: This disease can be caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil. It can be prevented by ensuring the soil is well-draining.
Habitat
Boerhavia Purpurascens is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It grows in dry, rocky areas and can be found in deserts, canyons, and arroyos.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Boerhavia Purpurascens a drought-tolerant plant?
A: Yes, Boerhavia Purpurascens is drought-tolerant and can survive in dry conditions.
Q: Can Boerhavia Purpurascens be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Boerhavia Purpurascens can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and the plant receives enough sunlight.
Q: How often should Boerhavia Purpurascens be fertilized?
A: Boerhavia Purpurascens should be fertilized once every 6-8 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: When should Boerhavia Purpurascens be pruned?
A: Boerhavia Purpurascens can be pruned in the fall to remove any dead or damaged branches.
Related Plants
- Boerhavia Diffusa
- Boerhavia Erecta
- Boerhavia Triquetra
References
- “Boerhavia Purpurascens.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center – The University of Texas at Austin. Accessed 10 Sept. 2021. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=BOPU2.
- “Boerhavia Purpurascens.” Plants of the World Online – Kew Science. Accessed 10 Sept. 2021. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:173534-2.
- Moore, Michael. “Boerhavia Purpurascens.” Southwest Environmental Information Network. Accessed 10 Sept. 2021. https://swbiodiversity.org/seinet/taxa/index.php?taxon=Boerhavia+purpurascens.
