Contents
Description
Boerhavia Repens is a perennial plant that belongs to the Nyctaginaceae family. It is native to Central and South America, but it can also be found in other parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, and Australia. This plant is also known as creeping spiderling, spreading hogweed, or tar vine. It can grow up to 20 inches in height and 40 inches in width.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Nyctaginaceae |
| Genus | Boerhavia |
Appearance
The leaves of Boerhavia Repens are small, green, and oval-shaped. Its flowers are pink or white and have five petals. The plant produces tiny seeds that are brown or black. It has a creeping habit and can form a dense mat of foliage. It is also drought-resistant and can survive in harsh conditions.
Care Guide
Water: Boerhavia Repens prefers well-drained soil that is moist but not waterlogged. Water it regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.
Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.
Soil: The plant prefers sandy, loamy soil that is well-draining. It can also grow in poor soil conditions.
Sunlight: Boerhavia Repens thrives in full sun but can also grow in partial shade.
Hardiness Zones: It can grow in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Boerhavia Repens is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies. It can also be affected by fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and root rot. To prevent these problems, keep the plant well-ventilated and avoid overwatering.
Habitat
Boerhavia Repens can grow in a wide range of habitats, including deserts, grasslands, and rocky slopes. It can also grow in disturbed areas such as roadsides and abandoned fields.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Boerhavia Repens toxic to pets?
A: No, Boerhavia Repens is not toxic to pets.
Q: Can Boerhavia Repens be grown indoors?
A: Yes, it can be grown indoors in a sunny window.
Q: How often should Boerhavia Repens be fertilized?
A: It should be fertilized every two weeks during the growing season.
Q: Can Boerhavia Repens tolerate drought?
A: Yes, it is drought-resistant and can survive in harsh conditions.
Related Plants
- Boerhavia coccinea
- Boerhavia diffusa
- Boerhavia erecta
- Boerhavia repens var. diffusa
References
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. (n.d.). Boerhavia repens. Retrieved from https://www.kew.org/science/tropamerica/imagedatabase/name/Boerhavia+repens
- USDA Plants Database. (n.d.). Boerhavia repens L. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=BORE7
- Wagner, W. L., Herbst, D. R., & Sohmer, S. H. (1999). Manual of the flowering plants of Hawaii (Vol. 2). University of Hawaii Press.
