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Description
Castilleja Talamancensis, commonly known as the Costa Rican Paintbrush, is a flowering plant species native to the Talamancan Mountains in Costa Rica. It belongs to the Orobanchaceae family and is an herbaceous annual plant that can grow up to 30 centimeters tall. The plant’s common name comes from its bright red-orange flowers that resemble paintbrushes.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Phylum: | Spermatophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Orobanchaceae |
| Genus: | Castilleja |
Appearance
The Costa Rican Paintbrush features bright red-orange flowers that grow in dense spikes. The flowers are tubular and have a yellowish-green bract at the base. The plant’s leaves are lance-shaped and come in a range of colors, from green to purple. The stems of the plant are hairy and green. Castilleja Talamancensis blooms from June to September.
Care Guide
Castilleja Talamancensis requires well-drained soil that is kept moist, but not waterlogged. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and is hardy in USDA zones 9-11. Fertilize the plant every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Prune the plant after flowering to promote bushier growth.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Costa Rican Paintbrush is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. It can also be affected by fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew and rust. To prevent pests and diseases, keep the plant’s leaves dry and remove any infected leaves immediately.
Habitat
Castilleja Talamancensis is native to the Talamancan Mountains in Costa Rica. It grows at elevations between 1200 and 2800 meters in humid, montane forests.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the meaning of the genus name Castilleja?
A: The genus name Castilleja honors Spanish botanist Domingo Castillejo.
Q: Can the Costa Rican Paintbrush be grown as a houseplant?
A: No, Castilleja Talamancensis is not suitable for indoor cultivation.
Q: Is the Costa Rican Paintbrush an endangered species?
A: Yes, Castilleja Talamancensis is listed as an endangered species due to habitat loss and fragmentation.
Q: What is the significance of the plant’s bright red-orange flowers?
A: The flowers of the Costa Rican Paintbrush are an important food source for hummingbirds and other pollinators.
Related Plants
- Castilleja Applegatei
- Castilleja Angustifolia
- Castilleja Arachnoidea
- Castilleja Chromosa
References
- “Castilleja Talamancensis.” The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/199690/2629548.
- “Castilleja Talamancensis.” Missouri Botanical Garden, http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c266.
- “Castilleja Talamancensis.” Plants of the World Online, http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:60478479-2.
