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Description
Fatoua is a genus of plants in the family Moraceae, commonly known as false nettle. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Africa. The genus was named after Jean Baptiste Louis Pierre Fatou, a French botanist who collected plants in Madagascar and Mauritius in the 19th century.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Moraceae |
| Genus | Fatoua |
Appearance
Fatoua plants are herbaceous and can grow up to 50 cm tall. They have alternate leaves that are ovate to elliptic in shape and have serrated margins. The leaves are green and can sometimes have a purplish tinge to them. The flowers are small and greenish-yellow in color, and are arranged in clusters. The fruit is a small achene that is light brown in color and has a rough surface.
Care Guide
Fatoua plants are easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of conditions. They prefer moist soil and partial shade, but can tolerate full sun as well. Here are some tips on caring for your Fatoua plant:
- Water: Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Water regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.
- Fertilization: Feed your Fatoua plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
- Soil: Fatoua plants prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: Fatoua plants can grow in partial shade to full sun, but prefer some shade during the hottest part of the day.
- Hardiness Zones: Fatoua plants are hardy in USDA Zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Fatoua plants are generally resistant to pests and diseases, but they can still be affected by some common problems. Here are some of the most common pests and diseases that can affect your Fatoua plant:
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause discoloration and webbing on the leaves. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control them.
- Fungal diseases: Fatoua plants can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and leaf spot. Use a fungicide to control these diseases.
Habitat
Fatoua plants are native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Africa. They can be found growing in forests, on hillsides, and in disturbed areas such as roadsides and fields. They prefer moist soil and partial shade, but can tolerate a wide range of conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Fatoua plants be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Fatoua plants can be grown indoors in a bright, sunny location.
Q: How often should I water my Fatoua plant?
A: Water your Fatoua plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Q: What is the best soil for growing Fatoua plants?
A: Fatoua plants prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Q: How tall can Fatoua plants grow?
A: Fatoua plants can grow up to 50 cm tall.
Related Plants
- Morus
- Ficus
- Celestrus
- Cudrania
References
- “Fatoua in Flora of China.” eFloras.org. Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA. Accessed May 1, 2021. http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=200006508.
- “Fatoua in Flora of Pakistan.” eFloras.org. Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA. Accessed May 1, 2021. http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=5&taxon_id=200006508.
- “Fatoua in Global Plants on JSTOR.” JSTOR. Accessed May 1, 2021. https://plants.jstor.org/search?query=Fatoua.
