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Description
Glechoma Longituba, also known as Long-Tubed Ground Ivy, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. It is native to Asia and is widely distributed in China, Japan, and Korea. The plant is characterized by its creeping stems with kidney-shaped leaves that are green on top and purple underneath. It produces small tubular flowers that are pink to purple in color and bloom from April to June.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Glechoma |
Appearance
Glechoma Longituba is a low-growing plant that can reach up to 10 cm in height. Its stems are thin, creeping, and covered with fine hairs. The leaves are kidney-shaped, 2-3 cm wide, and have scalloped edges. They are green on top and purple underneath. The flowers are small and tubular, measuring 1-1.5 cm in length, and are pink to purple in color. The plant blooms from April to June.
Care Guide
Glechoma Longituba is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:
Water: Water the plant regularly, but make sure the soil is well-drained. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a general-purpose fertilizer.
Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including clay, loam, and sand.
Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full shade. It can tolerate some sun, but too much sun can cause the leaves to wilt and burn.
Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 6-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Glechoma Longituba is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be affected by spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies. To prevent these pests, regularly inspect the plant and remove any infected leaves. The plant can also be susceptible to fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew and root rot. To prevent these diseases, make sure the soil is well-drained and avoid overwatering the plant.
Habitat
Glechoma Longituba is native to Asia and is widely distributed in China, Japan, and Korea. It grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, meadows, and stream banks. It can also grow in disturbed areas, such as roadsides and fields.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Glechoma Longituba be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Glechoma Longituba can be grown indoors as long as it receives enough light and is kept in well-drained soil.
Q: Is Glechoma Longituba poisonous?
A: No, Glechoma Longituba is not poisonous. In fact, it has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.
Q: Does Glechoma Longituba attract bees?
A: Yes, Glechoma Longituba is a nectar source for bees and other pollinators.
Q: How fast does Glechoma Longituba spread?
A: Glechoma Longituba is a fast-spreading plant and can quickly cover large areas. It can be invasive in some regions.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Glechoma Longituba:
- Glechoma Hederacea
- Glechoma Bifida
- Glechoma Hirsuta
- Glechoma Lamiaceae
References
- “Glechoma Longituba.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287445.
- “Ground Ivy (Glechoma Hederacea).” Illinois Wildflowers, www.illinoiswildflowers.info/weeds/plants/grnd_ivy.html.
- “Glechoma Longituba.” Plants of the World Online, www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:60427757-2.
