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Description
Cordylanthus Rigidus, also known as the stiff-stemmed spineflower, is an annual plant species that belongs to the Orobanchaceae family. This plant is native to California, United States, and is commonly found in the coastal sage scrub and chaparral habitats. Cordylanthus Rigidus is a hemiparasite plant, which means it can obtain some of its nutrients from other plants through its roots.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Orobanchaceae |
| Genus | Cordylanthus |
Appearance
Cordylanthus Rigidus can grow up to 1 meter in height, with a stiff, angular stem that is often reddish-brown in color. Its leaves are linear and are usually 2-6 cm long. This plant produces small, tubular flowers that are typically about 1 cm long and are colored pale yellow or white. The flowers are arranged in clusters at the end of the stem and bloom from early summer to early fall.
Care Guide
Proper care is essential for the healthy growth of Cordylanthus Rigidus.
Water
This plant requires moderate watering, and it is important to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Water the plant when the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch.
Fertilization
Cordylanthus Rigidus does not require regular fertilization. However, you can use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to provide additional nutrients.
Soil
This plant thrives in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5 is ideal.
Sunlight
Cordylanthus Rigidus requires full sun exposure to grow and bloom properly.
Hardiness Zones
This plant is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 8 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cordylanthus Rigidus is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to fungal infections, which can cause leaf spots and root rot. Regular inspection and proper care can help prevent these issues.
Habitat
Cordylanthus Rigidus is native to California and is commonly found in the coastal sage scrub and chaparral habitats. This plant prefers well-draining soil and full sun exposure.
Question and Answer
Here are some frequently asked questions about Cordylanthus Rigidus:
Q: Is Cordylanthus Rigidus a perennial or an annual plant?
A: Cordylanthus Rigidus is an annual plant species.
Q: Can Cordylanthus Rigidus grow in a container?
A: Yes, Cordylanthus Rigidus can grow in a container as long as the container is large enough to accommodate its root system.
Q: Can Cordylanthus Rigidus be propagated from cuttings?
A: Cordylanthus Rigidus is not typically propagated from cuttings. It is best propagated from seeds.
Q: Does Cordylanthus Rigidus require pruning?
A: Cordylanthus Rigidus does not require regular pruning. However, you can prune off any dead or damaged stems to promote new growth.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants that belong to the same family as Cordylanthus Rigidus:
- Cordylanthus Grandiflorus
- Cordylanthus Parviflorus
- Cordylanthus Tenuis
References
- “Cordylanthus Rigidus.” Calflora. Accessed August 24, 2021. https://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-taxon=Cordylanthus+rigidus.
- “Cordylanthus Rigidus.” USDA Plants Database. Accessed August 24, 2021. https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=CORI15.
- “Stiff-Stemmed Spineflower.” Las Pilitas Nursery. Accessed August 24, 2021. https://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/cordylanthus-rigidus.
