Contents
Taxonomy of Colobanthus Acicularis
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Anthophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Genus: Colobanthus
Description of Colobanthus Acicularis
Colobanthus Acicularis is a tiny flowering plant that belongs to the family Caryophyllaceae. It is commonly known as the needle-leaved cushion plant due to its needle-like leaves that are densely packed together, forming a cushion-like structure. This plant is native to Antarctica and can be found in other parts of the world such as South America, Australia, and New Zealand.
Appearance of Colobanthus Acicularis
The plant grows up to 5 cm tall and has a diameter of around 10 cm. The leaves are approximately 1 cm in length and are needle-like in shape. They are green in color and have a waxy texture, which helps reduce moisture loss. The flowers of Colobanthus Acicularis are small, measuring around 0.5 cm in diameter. They are usually white, but can also be pink or purple in color. The plant’s roots are shallow and do not penetrate deep into the soil.
Care Guide for Colobanthus Acicularis
Water: Water this plant sparingly, as it is adapted to survive in extreme conditions with very little water.
Fertilization: Colobanthus Acicularis does not require fertilization.
Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic.
Sunlight: Place the plant in partial shade, as it cannot tolerate direct sunlight.
Hardiness Zones: Colobanthus Acicularis is hardy in zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases of Colobanthus Acicularis
Colobanthus Acicularis is highly resistant to pests and diseases due to its adaptation to extreme environments. However, it may occasionally be affected by fungal diseases such as root rot and leaf spot.
Habitat of Colobanthus Acicularis
Colobanthus Acicularis is native to Antarctica, where it grows in rocky and gravelly soil. It can also be found in other parts of the world such as South America, Australia, and New Zealand, where it grows in alpine and subalpine regions.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Colobanthus Acicularis grow in direct sunlight?
A: No, this plant cannot tolerate direct sunlight.
Q: Does Colobanthus Acicularis require fertilization?
A: No, this plant does not require fertilization.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Colobanthus Acicularis?
A: Colobanthus Acicularis is hardy in zones 4-8.
Q: What is the size of Colobanthus Acicularis?
A: The plant grows up to 5 cm tall and has a diameter of around 10 cm.
Related Plants
- Colobanthus Quitensis
- Colobanthus Rossii
- Colobanthus Subulatus
- Colobanthus Wrightii
References
- Al-Shehbaz, I. A., & Windham, M. D. (2010). Colobanthus. Flora of North America, 4, 247-248.
- Convey, P., & Smith, R. I. L. (2006). Responses of Antarctic terrestrial microarthropods to long-term climate manipulations. Ecology, 87(3), 692-702.
- Smith, R. I. L., & Steenkamp, E. T. (2003). The Antarctic biota and climate change. Global change biology, 9(12), 1618-1627.
