Colebrookea Oppositifolia

Description

Colebrookea Oppositifolia is a flowering plant that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. It is native to the Himalayas, specifically in India, Bhutan, Nepal, and China. This plant is also known as Himalayan Colebrookea or Bhangra. It is a shrub that can grow up to 2 meters tall, with a spreading habit and branches that are covered with soft hairs.The leaves of Colebrookea Oppositifolia are simple, opposite, and oval-shaped, with a pointed tip and a serrated margin. They are dark green on top and lighter underneath, measuring 6 to 10 cm long and 3 to 5 cm wide. The flowers are tubular, pink or purple in color, and arranged in clusters at the end of the branches. They bloom from May to August.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

The Colebrookea Oppositifolia plant stands out for its unique features. Its leaves have a distinct texture, with a velvety feel on the underside. The flowers are also unique, with a tubular shape and a pink or purple hue that contrasts with the green foliage.This plant is a shrub that can grow up to 2 meters tall and 1.5 meters wide. It has a spreading habit and branches that are covered with soft hairs. The leaves are opposite, oval-shaped, dark green on top, and lighter underneath. The flowers are arranged in clusters at the end of the branches and bloom from May to August.

Care Guide

To take care of Colebrookea Oppositifolia, it is important to provide it with the right conditions. Here are some tips:Water: This plant prefers moist soil, but it should not be overwatered. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again.Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).Soil: Colebrookea Oppositifolia prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.Sunlight: This plant prefers partial shade to full sun. It can tolerate some direct sunlight, but too much can damage the leaves.Hardiness Zones: Colebrookea Oppositifolia is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 10.

Common Pests & Diseases

Colebrookea Oppositifolia is generally a healthy plant, but it can be susceptible to certain pests and diseases. Here are some of the most common:Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the leaves and cause them to yellow and curl. Use insecticidal soap to control aphids.Spider mites: These tiny pests can spin webs on the leaves and cause them to turn yellow and fall off. Use insecticidal soap or a miticide to control spider mites.Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves and stems. Use a fungicide to control powdery mildew.

Habitat

Colebrookea Oppositifolia is native to the Himalayas, specifically in India, Bhutan, Nepal, and China. It grows in mountainous regions at elevations of 1500 to 3600 meters.This plant prefers moist soil and partial shade to full sun. It can grow in a variety of soil types, as long as it is well-draining and rich in organic matter.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Colebrookea Oppositifolia a hardy plant?
A: Yes, this plant is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 10.Q: What kind of soil does Colebrookea Oppositifolia prefer?
A: This plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.Q: How often should I fertilize Colebrookea Oppositifolia?
A: Use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).Q: What are the common pests and diseases of Colebrookea Oppositifolia?
A: This plant can be susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew.

Related Plants

Here are some related plants to Colebrookea Oppositifolia:

• Colebrookea Serrata
• Colebrookea Javanica
• Colebrookea Tetraphylla

References

• “Colebrookea oppositifolia (Sm.) Smith.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science.
• “Colebrookea oppositifolia.” Missouri Botanical Garden.
• “Colebrookea oppositifolia.” Royal Horticultural Society.