Contents
Description
Cedronella Canariensis, commonly known as Balm of Gilead, is a perennial herb that belongs to the mint family. It is indigenous to the Canary Islands, where it grows in rocky and arid areas. The plant is highly aromatic and has medicinal properties. It is used to treat various ailments, including headaches, colds, and respiratory diseases.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain: | Eukarya |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Phylum: | Tracheophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Genus: | Cedronella |
Appearance
Cedronella Canariensis has a bushy growth habit and can reach a height of up to 60 cm. It has square stems that are covered with fine hairs. The leaves are aromatic, grayish-green, and have a velvety texture. They are arranged opposite each other on the stem and are deeply lobed. The flowers are small, pink to purple, and grow in clusters at the end of the stem. They bloom in the summer and attract bees and butterflies.
Care Guide
Cedronella Canariensis is easy to care for and thrives in well-draining soil. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:- Water: Water the plant regularly, but avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: Use well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full sun.- Hardiness Zones: Cedronella Canariensis is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cedronella Canariensis is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to spider mites and whiteflies, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s important to ensure that the soil is well-draining.
Habitat
Cedronella Canariensis is native to the Canary Islands, where it grows in rocky and arid areas. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate drought conditions. The plant is also grown as an ornamental in gardens and landscapes.
Question and Answer
Q: What are the medicinal properties of Cedronella Canariensis?
A: Cedronella Canariensis has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. It is used to treat headaches, colds, respiratory diseases, and skin conditions.
Q: How often should I fertilize Cedronella Canariensis?
A: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Can Cedronella Canariensis tolerate drought conditions?
A: Yes, the plant can tolerate drought conditions and prefers well-draining soil.
Q: What are the ideal growing conditions for Cedronella Canariensis?
A: Cedronella Canariensis prefers partial shade to full sun, well-draining soil, and is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Cedronella Canariensis:- Cedronella Triphylla- Mentha Aquatica- Thymus Vulgaris- Rosmarinus Officinalis
References
– “Cedronella Canariensis.” Plants of the World Online. Kew Science. Accessed 14 June 2021. http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:445684-1- “Cedronella Canariensis.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed 14 June 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/10131/cedronella-canariensis/details
