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Description
Cartrema Floridana is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the family Melastomataceae. It is commonly known as Florida cartrema and is native to Florida in the United States. This plant is a shrub that can grow up to 3 meters tall and 2 meters wide. It has oblong leaves that are 6-10 cm long and 2-3 cm wide. The flowers are pink to purple in color and are arranged in clusters. The fruit is a capsule that contains numerous seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Myrtales |
| Family | Melastomataceae |
| Genus | Cartrema |
| Species | Cartrema Floridana |
Appearance
Cartrema Floridana is a beautiful plant with oblong leaves that are dark green in color. The leaves are glossy and smooth to the touch. The flowers are pink to purple in color and are arranged in terminal clusters. Each flower has five petals that are fused at the base. The fruit is a capsule that is 5-6 mm in diameter and contains numerous seeds. The plant can grow up to 3 meters tall and 2 meters wide, making it a great choice for landscaping and gardening.
Care Guide
Cartrema Floridana requires moderate care to thrive. Here are some tips for taking care of this plant:
- Water: This plant requires moderate watering. Water it when the soil is dry to the touch.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and summer.
- Soil: This plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: Cartrema Floridana prefers partial shade to full sun.
- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cartrema Floridana is relatively disease-free, but it can be affected by some pests and diseases. Here are some of the common ones:
- Spider Mites: These pests can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. Treat with insecticidal soap.
- Scale Insects: These pests can cause yellowing and stunted growth. Treat with horticultural oil.
- Leaf Spot: This disease can cause brown spots on the leaves. Treat with a copper-based fungicide.
Habitat
Cartrema Floridana is native to Florida in the United States. It grows in mesic to hydric hammocks, flatwoods, and coastal areas. It prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. This plant is also found in disturbed areas such as roadsides and ditches.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Cartrema Floridana a drought-tolerant plant?
A: No, this plant requires moderate watering and is not drought-tolerant.
Q: Can Cartrema Floridana be grown in a container?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown in a container as long as it has enough space to grow and well-draining soil.
Q: How often should I fertilize Cartrema Floridana?
A: This plant should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and summer.
Q: Can Cartrema Floridana be grown in full sun?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown in full sun, but it prefers partial shade.
Related Plants
- Cartrema Americana
- Cartrema Concolor
- Cartrema Linearifolia
- Cartrema Racemosa
References
- USDA Plants Database: Cartrema Floridana
- Florida Native Plant Society: Cartrema Floridana
- University of Florida IFAS Extension: Cartrema Floridana
