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Description
Eustrephus is a genus of flowering plants in the family Colchicaceae. There are two known species of Eustrephus, Eustrephus latifolius and Eustrephus glaucus, both of which are found in Australia and New Zealand. These plants are commonly known as the wandering Jew or cat’s whiskers due to their long, thin leaves that resemble whiskers or vines.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Liliales |
| Family | Colchicaceae |
| Genus | Eustrephus |
Appearance
Eustrephus plants have long, thin leaves that can grow up to 30 centimeters in length. The leaves are green and can be either smooth or slightly hairy. The flowers of Eustrephus are small and yellow, and they grow in clusters at the end of long stems. The fruit of Eustrephus is a green, fleshy berry that turns black when ripe.
Care Guide
Eustrephus plants require regular watering, particularly during the growing season. They should be planted in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Fertilizer can be applied during the growing season to promote healthy growth. Eustrephus plants prefer partial shade, but they can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. They are hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Eustrephus plants are generally free from pests and diseases. However, they can be susceptible to root rot if they are overwatered or planted in poorly-draining soil. To avoid this, make sure to plant Eustrephus in well-draining soil and water only when necessary.
Habitat
Eustrephus plants are native to Australia and New Zealand, where they can be found growing in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and grasslands. They are often found growing in moist, shaded areas, but they can also tolerate drier conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Eustrephus plants be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Eustrephus plants can be grown indoors as long as they are placed in a bright, partially shaded location and given adequate water and fertilizer.
Q: Are Eustrephus plants toxic to pets?
A: There is limited information available on the toxicity of Eustrephus plants, but they are not known to be toxic to pets.
Q: Do Eustrephus plants require pruning?
A: Eustrephus plants do not require pruning, but they can be trimmed back to control their size and shape.
Q: How often should Eustrephus plants be fertilized?
A: Eustrephus plants can be fertilized once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Related Plants
- Colchicum
- Gloriosa
- Uvularia
- Veratrum
References
- “Eustrephus.” PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute, www.plantzafrica.com/plantefg/eustref.htm.
- “Eustrephus.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science, www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30053622-2.
- “Eustrephus.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/13291/Eustrephus/Details.
