Contents
Description
Crocodylium Creticum, commonly known as the Cretaceous crocodile plant, is a unique plant species belonging to the family of cycads, native to the Cretaceous period. This plant has a remarkable resemblance to a crocodile, with its segmented, scaly bark and fronds that resemble the tail of a crocodile. It is a slow-growing plant that can reach up to 9 feet tall and 6 feet wide under ideal growing conditions. The Cretaceous crocodile plant is a perfect addition to any garden and is known for its unique and exotic appearance.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Cycadophyta |
| Class | Cycadopsida |
| Order | Cycadales |
| Family | Cycadaceae |
| Genus | Crocodylium |
Appearance
The Cretaceous crocodile plant has a unique appearance that makes it stand out from other plants. Its bark is thick, scaly, and segmented, resembling the skin of a crocodile. The plant’s fronds grow upright and form a rosette at the top, with each frond resembling the tail of a crocodile. The fronds are pale green and can grow up to 4 feet long with a width of up to 8 inches. The Cretaceous crocodile plant is dioecious, meaning that male and female plants are separate. The female plant produces a cone-shaped structure that contains the plant’s seeds, while the male plant produces a cone-shaped structure that produces pollen.
Care Guide
The Cretaceous crocodile plant requires specific care to thrive in your garden. Follow these tips to ensure that your plant grows healthy and strong:
- Water: Water regularly during the growing season, ensuring that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering during the dormant season.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: Plant the Cretaceous crocodile plant in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant thrives in full sun but can also grow in partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The Cretaceous crocodile plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Cretaceous crocodile plant is susceptible to several pests and diseases. Here are some of the most common:
- Scale insects: These pests attach themselves to the plant’s fronds and suck out the sap, causing damage to the plant.
- Root rot: Overwatering or poorly draining soil can cause root rot, which can be fatal to the plant.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes brown spots on the plant’s fronds and can be treated with a fungicide.
Habitat
The Cretaceous crocodile plant is native to the Cretaceous period, which lasted from 145 million to 66 million years ago. Today, the plant is mostly found in botanical gardens and private collections.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Cretaceous crocodile plant be grown indoors?
A: Yes, the Cretaceous crocodile plant can be grown indoors as long as it receives adequate sunlight and is planted in well-draining soil.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Cretaceous crocodile plant?
A: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: How tall can the Cretaceous crocodile plant grow?
A: The plant can grow up to 9 feet tall and 6 feet wide under ideal growing conditions.
Q: Is the Cretaceous crocodile plant poisonous?
A: Yes, the Cretaceous crocodile plant is toxic to humans and animals if ingested, and its sap can cause skin irritation.
Related Plants
- Cycas revoluta
- Encephalartos ferox
- Macrozamia communis
References
- “Crocodylium Creticum.” The Cycad Pages, www.cycadpages.org/crocodylium.html.
- “Crocodylium Creticum.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science, plants.jstor.org/compilation/Crocodylium.Creticum.
- “Crocodylium Creticum.” The Plant List, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and Missouri Botanical Garden, www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/kew-2744828.
