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Description
Dithyrea Californica, commonly known as Spectacle Pod, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. This plant is native to California in the United States and can grow up to a height of 1-2 feet. It is an annual plant that produces showy flowers in the spring and summer months. The plant has a unique feature, the seed pods resemble spectacles, hence the name Spectacle Pod.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Genus | Dithyrea |
Appearance
The Spectacle Pod plant has wavy-edged leaves that are grayish-green in color and covered in fine hairs. The flowers are a bright yellow color and have four petals that form a cross shape. The seed pods are the most distinctive feature of this plant, they are flat, round, and have two circles that resemble spectacles. The plant blooms from March to August and produces a lot of seed pods that are dispersed by wind.
Care Guide
Water: Spectacle Pod plant requires moderate watering. Water the plant once or twice a week, depending on the soil moisture level. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to promote healthy growth and blooming.
Soil: Spectacle Pod plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can grow in sandy, loamy, or clay soils.
Sunlight: This plant requires full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade will affect its blooming.
Hardiness Zones: Spectacle Pod plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Spectacle Pod plant is generally pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. Regularly inspect the plant for any signs of infestation and treat it immediately with an insecticidal soap or neem oil. Overwatering can also lead to root rot, so make sure the soil is well-draining.
Habitat
Spectacle Pod plant is native to California and can be found in coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and grasslands. It prefers open, sunny areas with well-draining soil. The plant is adapted to the Mediterranean climate of California and can tolerate drought and high temperatures.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Spectacle Pod plant grow in containers?
A: Yes, Spectacle Pod plant can grow in containers as long as the container has good drainage and the soil is well-draining.
Q: Is Spectacle Pod plant deer-resistant?
A: Yes, Spectacle Pod plant is deer-resistant.
Q: How often should I fertilize Spectacle Pod plant?
A: Fertilize Spectacle Pod plant once a month during the growing season.
Q: Can Spectacle Pod plant tolerate frost?
A: No, Spectacle Pod plant is not frost-tolerant.
Related Plants
- Dithyrea maritima
- Dithyrea sinuata
- Dithyrea wislizeni
References
- “Dithyrea californica.” Plant of the Month. The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, n.d. Web. 06 April 2021.
- “Dithyrea californica.” Calflora. California Plant Atlas, n.d. Web. 06 April 2021.
- “Spectacle Pod.” Las Pilitas Nursery. Las Pilitas Nursery, n.d. Web. 06 April 2021.
