Cardamine Tangutorum

Description

Cardamine Tangutorum, also known as Tangut bittercress, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It is indigenous to China, specifically in the provinces of Gansu, Qinghai, and Sichuan. The plant typically grows in wet meadows, along streams, and in forest clearings at elevations between 2,500 to 4,200 meters above sea level.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Cardamine Tangutorum is a perennial herb that can grow up to 50 cm in height. It has a basal rosette of leaves that are pinnately divided into 5-7 leaflets. The stems are erect and covered with fine hairs. The flowers are white to pink in color and are arranged in racemes at the tip of the stems. The fruit is a narrow, cylindrical pod that contains several small seeds.

Care Guide

Cardamine Tangutorum requires moist, well-draining soil and prefers partial shade to full sun. It can tolerate a wide range of soil pH levels, but it grows best in slightly acidic to neutral soils. The plant should be watered regularly, especially during dry periods. Fertilization is not necessary, but a light application of balanced fertilizer in the spring can promote growth. Cardamine Tangutorum is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.

Common Pests & Diseases

Cardamine Tangutorum is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to aphids, slugs, and snails. These pests can be controlled using insecticidal soap or by handpicking. The plant can also be affected by fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, which can be treated with fungicides.

Habitat

Cardamine Tangutorum is native to the alpine regions of China, where it grows in moist meadows, along streams, and in forest clearings. It is adapted to cold, wet environments and can tolerate temperatures as low as -20°C.

Question and Answer

Q: Can Cardamine Tangutorum grow in full sun?

A: Yes, Cardamine Tangutorum can grow in full sun, but it prefers partial shade.

Q: Does Cardamine Tangutorum require fertilization?

A: Fertilization is not necessary for Cardamine Tangutorum, but a light application of balanced fertilizer in the spring can promote growth.

Q: What is the hardiness zone for Cardamine Tangutorum?

A: Cardamine Tangutorum is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.

Q: How can I control pests on my Cardamine Tangutorum plant?

A: Pests such as aphids, slugs, and snails can be controlled using insecticidal soap or by handpicking.

Related Plants

• Cardamine bulbifera
• Cardamine douglasii
• Cardamine enneaphyllos
• Cardamine impatiens

References

• “Cardamine Tangutorum (Franch.)”. Flora of China. eFloras. Missouri Botanical Garden and Harvard University Herbaria. Retrieved 2021-05-20.
• “Cardamine Tangutorum”. Plant Finder. Missouri Botanical Garden. Retrieved 2021-05-20.
• “Growing Cardamine”. Royal Horticultural Society. Retrieved 2021-05-20.