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Description
Calpurnia Aurea, also known as the Golden Cape, is a shrub that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to South Africa and Mozambique and is widely grown for its ornamental value. The shrub has a rounded shape and can grow up to 4 meters tall. It produces bright yellow flowers in the spring and summer, which are highly fragrant and attract bees and butterflies. The leaves are dark green and have a glossy appearance.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain| Eukarya||————|————-|| Kingdom| Plantae|| Phylum| Tracheophyta|| Class| Magnoliopsida|| Order| Fabales|| Family| Fabaceae|| Genus| Calpurnia|| Species| aurea|
Appearance
Calpurnia Aurea is a dense, bushy shrub with a rounded shape. It can grow up to 4 meters tall and 3 meters wide. The leaves are dark green and have a glossy appearance, with a length of 6-10 cm and a width of 3-5 cm. The shrub produces clusters of bright yellow flowers in the spring and summer, which are highly fragrant and attractive to bees and butterflies. The flowers have a length of 1-2 cm and a width of 0.5-1 cm.
Care Guide
Calpurnia Aurea requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. It prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. Fertilize the shrub with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. It needs full sun to thrive, but it can tolerate partial shade. It is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Calpurnia Aurea is susceptible to scale insects, spider mites, and leaf miners. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The shrub is also prone to root rot, which can be prevented by ensuring that the soil is well-draining.
Habitat
Calpurnia Aurea is native to South Africa and Mozambique, where it grows in open areas, rocky slopes, and along riverbanks. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Calpurnia Aurea be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Calpurnia Aurea can be grown in containers, but it requires frequent watering and fertilization.
Q: How often should I fertilize Calpurnia Aurea?
A: Fertilize Calpurnia Aurea once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: What is the best time to prune Calpurnia Aurea?
A: Prune Calpurnia Aurea in the late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
Q: How tall does Calpurnia Aurea grow?
A: Calpurnia Aurea can grow up to 4 meters tall.
Related Plants
– Calpurnia Robusta- Calpurnia Villosa- Calpurnia Sericea
References
– “Calpurnia Aurea.” PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute, www.plantzafrica.com/plantcd/calpurnaura.htm.- “Calpurnia Aurea.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/10444/i-Calpurnia-aurea-i/Details.
