Contents
Description
Boschniakia Rossica, commonly known as Russian groundcone, is a parasitic perennial herb that belongs to the family Orobanchaceae. This plant is native to the boreal forests of Alaska, Canada, and Siberia, and it grows in the understory of these forests. The plant has a unique appearance, with a fleshy, unbranched stem that grows to a height of 10-30 cm. It produces small flowers that are reddish-brown in color and bloom from June to August.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Orobanchaceae |
| Genus | Boschniakia |
Appearance
Boschniakia Rossica has a unique and distinctive appearance. As a parasitic plant, it lacks chlorophyll and therefore cannot produce its own food. The stem of the plant is fleshy, unbranched, and grows to a height of 10-30 cm. The stem is covered by scales and has small, reddish-brown flowers that bloom from June to August. The plant also produces a fruit that is a capsule containing numerous small seeds.
Care Guide
Boschniakia Rossica is a parasitic plant that requires a host to survive. Therefore, it cannot be grown in the traditional sense. However, if you have a suitable host plant in your garden, you may find Boschniakia Rossica growing on it. In this case, there is little you can do to influence its growth. However, you should ensure that the host plant is healthy and well-maintained.
Water
Boschniakia Rossica does not require any additional watering as it obtains its water and nutrients from the host plant.
Fertilization
As a parasitic plant, Boschniakia Rossica does not require any additional fertilization.
Soil
Boschniakia Rossica does not grow in soil but rather on the host plant.
Sunlight
Boschniakia Rossica thrives in shaded areas and grows in the understory of boreal forests.
Hardiness Zones
Boschniakia Rossica is hardy in USDA zones 2-7.
Common Pests & Diseases
Boschniakia Rossica is not known to be affected by any pests or diseases.
Habitat
Boschniakia Rossica is native to the boreal forests of Alaska, Canada, and Siberia. It grows in the understory of these forests and is often found on the roots of host plants such as spruce and fir trees.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Boschniakia Rossica a rare plant?
A: Boschniakia Rossica is not considered to be rare, but it is not commonly found in cultivation as it is a parasitic plant that requires a host to survive.
Q: Can Boschniakia Rossica be propagated from seed?
A: Yes, Boschniakia Rossica can be propagated from seed. However, the plant requires a host to grow, so it is not suitable for traditional cultivation.
Q: Is Boschniakia Rossica used for medicinal purposes?
A: Boschniakia Rossica is not commonly used for medicinal purposes, but it has been used in traditional medicine by some indigenous peoples.
Q: Is Boschniakia Rossica an invasive species?
A: Boschniakia Rossica is not considered to be an invasive species as it is native to boreal forests and does not have a significant impact on its host plant.
Related Plants
- Boschniakia hookeri
- Boschniakia strobilacea
- Boschniakia himalaica
References
- “Boschniakia Rossica.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=f261.
- “Boschniakia Rossica.” Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, www.rbge.org.uk/plants/12071/boschniakia-rossica.
- “Boschniakia Rossica.” Plants of the World Online, www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:812275-1.
