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Description
Centrolepis Ciliata, commonly known as the Swamp Centrolepis, is a small herbaceous plant that belongs to the Centrolepidaceae family. It is native to Australia, particularly found in Tasmania, Victoria, and New South Wales. This plant grows in wetlands, bogs, and marshes.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Centrolepidaceae |
| Genus | Centrolepis |
| Species | Ciliata |
Appearance
The Swamp Centrolepis has a rosette of narrow leaves with pointed tips, growing up to 10 cm in length. The leaves are green and have hairy margins, giving them a soft texture. The plant produces small white flowers that grow in clusters on long stems, reaching up to 20 cm in height.
Care Guide
The Swamp Centrolepis is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some care tips:
- Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
- Soil: Plant the Swamp Centrolepis in a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full sun. Avoid exposing it to intense afternoon sunlight.
- Hardiness Zones: The Swamp Centrolepis is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Swamp Centrolepis is generally disease-free and not prone to pests. However, it may occasionally suffer from fungal diseases if the soil is too wet or poorly drained. Pests that may attack the plant include slugs, snails, and aphids.
Habitat
As its name suggests, the Swamp Centrolepis is found in swampy areas, bogs, and marshes. It prefers wet soils and can tolerate periods of inundation. The plant is often found growing alongside other wetland species such as sedges, rushes, and mosses.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Swamp Centrolepis a good plant for a bog garden?
A: Yes, the Swamp Centrolepis is an excellent choice for a bog garden as it prefers wet soils and can tolerate periods of inundation.
Q: Can the Swamp Centrolepis be grown in a container?
A: Yes, the Swamp Centrolepis can be grown in a container as long as it is kept moist and receives enough sunlight.
Q: Does the Swamp Centrolepis attract wildlife?
A: Yes, the plant’s flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Swamp Centrolepis?
A: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Related Plants
- Centrolepis Drummondiana
- Centrolepis Fascicularis
- Centrolepis Monogyna
References
- “Centrolepis Ciliata,” Australian Native Plants Society (Australia), accessed August 2, 2021, https://anpsa.org.au/c-cil.html.
- “Centrolepis Ciliata,” Gardening With Angus, accessed August 2, 2021, https://www.gardeningwithangus.com.au/centrolepis-ciliata-swamp-centrolepis/.
- “Centrolepis Ciliata,” The Plant List, accessed August 2, 2021, http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/kew-271054.
