Boerhavia Wrightii
Contents
Description
Boerhavia Wrightii is a herbaceous perennial plant that is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is a member of the Nyctaginaceae family and is commonly known as Wright’s spiderling or Wright’s beeblossom. The plant has a sprawling habit and can grow up to 30 inches tall and wide. The leaves are small and oval-shaped, and the flowers are pink, purple, or white in color.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Phylum: | Spermatophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Nyctaginaceae |
| Genus: | Boerhavia |
Appearance
The Boerhavia Wrightii plant has a unique appearance with its sprawling habit and small oval-shaped leaves. The flowers are the most striking feature of the plant, which can be pink, purple, or white in color. The flowers are small and arranged in clusters at the end of the stems. The plant can grow up to 30 inches tall and wide, making it a good ground cover option for gardens.
Care Guide
Boerhavia Wrightii is an easy-to-care-for plant that can thrive in a variety of conditions. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:
- Water: The plant prefers well-draining soil and moderate watering. Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil pH levels.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate hot, dry conditions.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant can grow in USDA hardiness zones 7 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Boerhavia Wrightii is generally pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to spider mites and root rot if overwatered. To prevent these issues, make sure to water the plant moderately and avoid getting water on the leaves.
Habitat
Boerhavia Wrightii is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It can be found in a variety of habitats, including rocky slopes, desert washes, and mesas. The plant can tolerate hot, dry conditions and is well-adapted to survive in arid environments.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Boerhavia Wrightii be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Boerhavia Wrightii can be grown in containers as long as the container has good drainage and the plant is watered regularly.
Q: How often should I fertilize Boerhavia Wrightii?
A: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Does Boerhavia Wrightii attract bees and butterflies?
A: Yes, Boerhavia Wrightii is a pollinator-friendly plant and can attract bees and butterflies to your garden.
Q: Can Boerhavia Wrightii be grown indoors?
A: No, Boerhavia Wrightii is an outdoor plant and requires full sun to partial shade to thrive.
Related Plants
- Boerhavia coccinea
- Boerhavia diffusa
- Boerhavia erecta
- Boerhavia intermedia
- Boerhavia triquetra
References
- “Boerhavia Wrightii.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center – The University of Texas at Austin, www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=BOWR.
- “Boerhavia Wrightii.” PlantFiles, Dave’s Garden, 2021, davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/129041/.
- “Boerhavia Wrightii.” Arizona State University, Arizona State University, 2021, askabiologist.asu.edu/plants/boerhavia-wrightii.
