Contents
Description
Boschniakia Himalaica, also known as Orobanche Himalaica, is a parasitic plant species that belongs to the Orobanchaceae family. It is commonly found in the Himalayan regions of China, Bhutan, India, and Nepal. The plant has a unique way of obtaining its nutrients, as it does not have chlorophyll and cannot produce its own food. Instead, it attaches itself to the roots of other plants, particularly those belonging to the Pinaceae family.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Orobanchaceae |
| Genus | Boschniakia |
Appearance
Boschniakia Himalaica has a stem that can grow up to 20 cm tall and can be either green or purplish-brown in color. The leaves are thin and scale-like, and the flowers are tubular and pinkish-purple in color. The plant produces fruits that are small and round, containing numerous tiny seeds. Due to its parasitic nature, the plant does not have many distinguishing features apart from its unique way of obtaining nutrients.
Care Guide
Boschniakia Himalaica is a parasitic plant that does not require any specific care or maintenance. However, it does need to be attached to the roots of other plants in order to survive. Therefore, it is important to plant it near the roots of Pinaceae family plants, such as spruce, fir, or pine trees. The plant does not require any water, fertilizer, or sunlight, as it obtains all of its nutrients from the host plant. Boschniakia Himalaica is hardy in USDA zones 3-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Boschniakia Himalaica is not known to be affected by any specific pests or diseases, as it does not have any leaves or stems that can be attacked by insects or fungi. However, it is important to ensure that the host plant is healthy and free from any pests or diseases, as this can affect the growth and survival of Boschniakia Himalaica.
Habitat
Boschniakia Himalaica is commonly found in the Himalayan regions of China, Bhutan, India, and Nepal, where it grows in forests and mountainous areas. The plant is typically found growing near the roots of Pinaceae family plants, such as spruce, fir, or pine trees.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Boschniakia Himalaica a perennial or annual plant?
A: Boschniakia Himalaica is a perennial plant.
Q: Does Boschniakia Himalaica produce any fruit?
A: Yes, Boschniakia Himalaica produces small, round fruits containing numerous tiny seeds.
Q: Can Boschniakia Himalaica be grown indoors?
A: No, Boschniakia Himalaica is a parasitic plant that requires the roots of other plants to survive and cannot be grown indoors.
Q: How big can Boschniakia Himalaica grow?
A: Boschniakia Himalaica can grow up to 20 cm tall.
Related Plants
- Boschniakia hookeri
- Boschniakia rossica
- Boschniakia strobilacea
References
- Flora of China. (n.d.). Boschniakia himalaica. Retrieved from http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=242422743
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Boschniakia himalaica. Retrieved from http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c687
- Plants of the World Online. (n.d.). Boschniakia himalaica. Retrieved from http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:60535-1
