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Description
Callitriche Terrestris, commonly known as Terrestrial starwort, is a small aquatic plant that belongs to the family Plantaginaceae. This plant is native to Europe, Asia, and North America and can be found growing in shallow freshwater streams, ponds, and marshes.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Plantaginaceae |
| Genus | Callitriche |
Appearance
The Terrestrial starwort has thin, delicate stems that grow up to 20 cm in length. The leaves of this plant are small and oval-shaped, measuring around 1 cm in length. The leaves are arranged in pairs along the stem and have a bright green color. The flowers of this plant are small and white, and they bloom from May to August. The fruit of this plant is a small capsule that contains tiny seeds.
Care Guide
Terrestrial starwort is an aquatic plant that requires specific care to grow and thrive. Here are some tips to help you care for this plant:
- Water: This plant needs to be grown in shallow freshwater streams, ponds, or marshes. Ensure that the water is clean and free from pollutants.
- Fertilization: Use a liquid fertilizer to feed this plant every two to three weeks during the growing season.
- Soil: This plant does not require soil as it grows in water. However, you can add a layer of gravel to the bottom of the container to provide stability.
- Sunlight: Terrestrial starwort requires full sun to partial shade to grow and thrive.
- Hardiness Zones: This plant can grow in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Terrestrial starwort is generally not prone to pests and diseases. However, here are some common issues that you may encounter:
- Algae: Algae can grow on the leaves if the water is stagnant or if the plant is receiving too much direct sunlight.
- Root Rot: This can occur if the plant is overwatered or if the water is not well-drained.
Habitat
Terrestrial starwort is native to Europe, Asia, and North America and can be found growing in shallow freshwater streams, ponds, and marshes. This plant can tolerate a wide range of water conditions and can grow in full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Terrestrial starwort grow in a fish tank?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown in a fish tank as long as the water is clean and free from pollutants.
Q: How often should I fertilize Terrestrial starwort?
A: Use a liquid fertilizer to feed this plant every two to three weeks during the growing season.
Q: Can Terrestrial starwort grow in full shade?
A: This plant requires full sun to partial shade to grow and thrive.
Q: Is Terrestrial starwort invasive?
A: No, this plant is not invasive.
Related Plants
- Callitriche Austro-Australis
- Callitriche Heterophylla
- Callitriche Herbarum
References
- https://www.britannica.com/plant/Terrestrial-starwort
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/callitriche-terrestris
- https://www.plantdelights.com/blogs/articles/callitriche-terrestris-terrestrial-starwort
