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Description
Calochortus Albus, also known as White Mariposa Lily, is a beautiful flowering plant native to California. It belongs to the Liliaceae family and is a herbaceous perennial. The plant grows up to 60 cm tall and produces an erect stem with several white flowers. The flowers have three petals that are heavily marked with purple or maroon spots, and a central yellow or white gland. The plant has a bulbous root system that is 2-4 cm in diameter.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Liliales |
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Genus | Calochortus |
| Species | Albus |
Appearance
Calochortus Albus has a tall, slender stem that can reach up to 60 cm in height. The stem is covered in fine hairs and produces several white flowers. The flowers have three petals that are heavily marked with purple or maroon spots, and a central yellow or white gland. The petals are 3-6 cm long and 2-4 cm wide. The plant has a bulbous root system that is 2-4 cm in diameter.
Care Guide
Calochortus Albus is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips for taking care of this beautiful plant:Water: The plant prefers well-draining soil and should be watered regularly during the growing season. However, it is important not to overwater the plant, as this can lead to root rot.Fertilization: The plant does not require regular fertilization, but you can add a slow-release fertilizer once a year during the growing season to promote healthy growth.Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can lead to weak growth and fewer flowers.Hardiness Zones: Calochortus Albus is hardy in USDA zones 5-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Calochortus Albus is not prone to many pests or diseases. However, here are a few common problems to watch out for:Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause damage to the leaves and flowers of the plant. You can control spider mites by spraying the plant with water or using an insecticidal soap.Botrytis blight: This fungal disease can cause brown spots on the leaves and flowers of the plant. You can control botrytis blight by removing infected plant material and improving air circulation around the plant.
Habitat
Calochortus Albus is native to California and is found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, woodlands, and chaparral. The plant prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate both dry and moist conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Calochortus Albus a poisonous plant?
A: No, Calochortus Albus is not toxic to humans or animals.Q: Can Calochortus Albus be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Calochortus Albus can be grown in containers as long as the container has good drainage and the plant receives enough sunlight.Q: How long do the flowers of Calochortus Albus last?
A: The flowers of Calochortus Albus typically last for about 1-2 weeks.Q: Can Calochortus Albus be propagated from seed?
A: Yes, Calochortus Albus can be propagated from seed. However, it can take several years for the plant to reach maturity and produce flowers.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Calochortus Albus:
- Calochortus amabilis
- Calochortus catalinae
- Calochortus clavatus
- Calochortus flexuosus
- Calochortus plummerae
References
- Calflora: Information on California plants for education, research and conservation. https://www.calflora.org/
- Calscape: California Native Plant Society. https://calscape.org/
- USDA Plants Database. https://plants.usda.gov/home
