Contents
Description
Carrichtera is a genus of flowering plants in the family Brassicaceae. It consists of only one species, Carrichtera annua, which is commonly known as Annual honesty or False alyssum. It is an annual herb that grows up to 30-50cm tall. Carrichtera annua is native to the Caucasus region and Iran, but it is also cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and naturalized in other parts of the world. The plant is known for its attractive white or pink flowers, which bloom from late spring to early summer. Carrichtera annua is a self-seeding plant that can grow in a variety of soil types and is relatively easy to care for.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Genus | Carrichtera |
Appearance
The Carrichtera annua plant has a compact habit and grows up to 30-50cm tall. It has narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are green in color and can grow up to 5cm long. The flowers of Carrichtera annua are small and white or pink in color, with four petals and a yellow center. They bloom in late spring to early summer and are arranged in clusters at the top of the stem. The plant produces small, round seed pods that are about 1cm in diameter.
Care Guide
Carrichtera annua is relatively easy to care for and can be grown in a variety of soil types. Here are some care tips for this plant:
- Water: Water the plant regularly, but do not overwater it. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
- Soil: Carrichtera annua prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Carrichtera annua is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Carrichtera annua is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but it may be susceptible to the following:
- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the plant and cause it to wilt. Use insecticidal soap to control them.
- Cabbage loopers: These caterpillars can eat the leaves of the plant. Use Bacillus thuringiensis to control them.
- Clubroot: This disease can cause the roots of the plant to become swollen and misshapen. Rotate crops to prevent it.
Habitat
Carrichtera annua is native to the Caucasus region and Iran, where it grows in rocky or stony places. It is also cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and has naturalized in other parts of the world, including North America and Europe. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Carrichtera annua be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Carrichtera annua can be grown in containers as long as they are well-draining and the plant is watered regularly.
Q: Is Carrichtera annua a good plant for attracting pollinators?
A: Yes, the flowers of Carrichtera annua are attractive to bees and other pollinators.
Q: How often should Carrichtera annua be fertilized?
A: Carrichtera annua should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
Q: Is Carrichtera annua a perennial or an annual?
A: Carrichtera annua is an annual plant.
Related Plants
- Brassica nigra (Black mustard)
- Brassica oleracea (Wild cabbage)
- Brassica rapa (Field mustard)
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Carrichtera annua. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=282316
- Plant Delights Nursery. (n.d.). Carrichtera annua. Retrieved from https://www.plantdelights.com/products/carrichtera-annua
- RHS. (n.d.). Carrichtera annua. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/243833/Carrichtera-annua/Details
