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Description
Cryptantha Ambigua, also known as the Mojave cryptantha, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Boraginaceae family. It is native to the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts of North America and can be found in California, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah. This plant is an annual herb that grows up to 20 inches tall and has small white or pink flowers that bloom from March to June.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Boraginales |
| Family | Boraginaceae |
| Genus | Cryptantha |
Appearance
Cryptantha Ambigua has narrow, lance-shaped leaves that grow up to 2 inches long and are covered with tiny hairs. The flowers are small, measuring about 1/8 inch in diameter, and have five petals that are white or pink in color. The plant has a taproot system that allows it to grow in dry, rocky soil.
Care Guide
Cryptantha Ambigua is a drought-tolerant plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips for taking care of this plant:
- Water: Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season.
- Fertilization: Fertilization is not necessary for this plant.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining, sandy soil.
- Sunlight: The plant requires full sun exposure.
- Hardiness Zones: Cryptantha Ambigua is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cryptantha Ambigua is generally healthy and pest-resistant. However, it may be susceptible to fungal diseases if it is overwatered or grown in poorly-draining soil. Common pests that may attack this plant include aphids and spider mites.
Habitat
Cryptantha Ambigua is native to the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts of North America. It is commonly found in dry, rocky areas, including desert washes, rocky slopes, and washes.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Cryptantha Ambigua a perennial or annual plant?
A: Cryptantha Ambigua is an annual herb.
Q: What is the blooming period of Cryptantha Ambigua?
A: The plant blooms from March to June.
Q: What is the preferred soil type for Cryptantha Ambigua?
A: The plant prefers well-draining, sandy soil.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Cryptantha Ambigua?
A: Cryptantha Ambigua is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 10.
Related Plants
- Cryptantha clevelandii
- Cryptantha humilis
- Cryptantha maritima
- Cryptantha micrantha
References
- “Cryptantha Ambigua.” Arizona State University. https://www.asu.edu/courses/sym242/PlantList/Cryptantha_Ambigua.htm
- “Cryptantha Ambigua.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=CRAM2
- “Cryptantha Ambigua.” Calflora. https://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-taxon=Cryptantha+ambigua
