Contents
Description
Centranthera Cochinchinensis, also known as the Vietnamese Balsam, is a perennial herb that is native to Southeast Asia. It belongs to the family of Plantaginaceae and is known for its beautiful pink to purple flowers that bloom in clusters during the summer months. This plant is commonly used for medicinal purposes in traditional medicine and has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Plantaginaceae |
| Genus | Centranthera |
Appearance
Centranthera Cochinchinensis grows up to 30-60 cm in height and has lance-shaped leaves that are 5-10 cm long. The flowers are pink to purple in color and are arranged in clusters at the end of the stems. The petals are fused and form a funnel-shaped tube that is about 2 cm long. The fruit is a capsule that contains numerous small seeds.
Care Guide
Centranthera Cochinchinensis is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips to keep it healthy:
Water: Water the plant regularly, making sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun.
Hardiness Zones: Centranthera Cochinchinensis is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Centranthera Cochinchinensis is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to spider mites, aphids, and powdery mildew. To prevent these issues, make sure to keep the plant well-watered and fertilized, and remove any affected leaves or stems immediately.
Habitat
Centranthera Cochinchinensis is native to Southeast Asia, where it grows in humid forests and along riverbanks. It can also be found in other tropical regions around the world.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water Centranthera Cochinchinensis?
A: Water the plant regularly, making sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Q: What type of soil does Centranthera Cochinchinensis prefer?
A: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
Q: Is Centranthera Cochinchinensis resistant to pests and diseases?
A: Yes, it is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to spider mites, aphids, and powdery mildew.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Centranthera Cochinchinensis?
A: It is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Related Plants
- Centranthera Grandiflora
- Centranthera Indica
- Centranthera Macrophylla
- Centranthera Tomentosa
References
- Flora of China. (n.d.). Centranthera Cochinchinensis. Flora of China. http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=200019378
- Mukherjee, P. K., et al. (2013). Evaluation of in vitro anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities of Centranthera Cochinchinensis (Lour.) Merr. leaf extract. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 146(1), 338-343. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2012.12.016
- Plantago Cochinchinensis. (n.d.). The Plant List. http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/kew-384390
