Dicoma

Description

Dicoma is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae. It is native to Africa and includes around 40 species of shrubs and herbs. The plants have a range of medicinal and cultural uses, including treatment of fever, coughs, and rheumatism, as well as being used in traditional ceremonies.

Taxonomic Information

Domain	Eukaryota
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Spermatophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Asterales
Family	Asteraceae
Genus	Dicoma

Appearance

Dicoma plants vary in size, with some species growing as small herbs and others as tall shrubs up to 2 meters in height. The leaves are typically narrow and lance-shaped, with a rough texture and hairy surface. The flowers are small and usually white or yellow in color, arranged in clusters or heads. The fruit is an achene, which is a type of dry, indehiscent fruit that does not open to release its seeds.

Care Guide

Dicoma plants prefer well-drained soils and full sunlight. They can tolerate some shade, but perform best in direct sunlight. Watering should be done once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil conditions. Fertilization can be done once a month during the growing season, using a balanced fertilizer. Dicoma plants are hardy to USDA zones 8-11.

Common Pests & Diseases

Dicoma plants are generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, they may sometimes be affected by spider mites, aphids, or powdery mildew. These can be controlled using insecticides or fungicides, as appropriate.

Habitat

Dicoma plants are native to Africa and are found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, savannas, and woodlands. They can also be cultivated in gardens and greenhouses in suitable climates.

Question and Answer

Q: What are some of the medicinal uses of Dicoma plants?

A: Dicoma plants have been used to treat fever, coughs, and rheumatism in traditional medicine.

Q: Where are Dicoma plants native to?

A: Dicoma plants are native to Africa.

Q: What kind of fruit does Dicoma produce?

A: Dicoma produces an achene, which is a type of dry, indehiscent fruit that does not open to release its seeds.

Q: What kind of soil do Dicoma plants prefer?

A: Dicoma plants prefer well-drained soils.

Related Plants

• Arctotis
• Bidens
• Calendula
• Chrysanthemum
• Echinacea
• Helianthus
• Senecio
• Solidago

References

• https://www.gbif.org/species/3152334
• https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=36679#null
• https://www.prota4u.org/database/protav8.asp?g=pe&p=Dicoma+tomentosa+(Thunb.)+Hilliard