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Description
Gompholobium Tomentosum, also known as the Woolly Gompholobium, is an evergreen shrub that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is native to Australia and is commonly found in the regions of Western Australia, South Australia, and Victoria. The plant grows up to 1.5 meters tall and 2 meters wide, with a woody stem and small leaves. It blooms in the spring and summer with bright yellow flowers that are shaped like pea flowers.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Gompholobium |
Appearance
The Gompholobium Tomentosum has a distinct appearance with its woolly and silvery leaves that cover the stem, giving it a unique texture. The leaves are small, linear, and alternate, measuring about 1 to 2 cm long. The plant blooms with bright yellow flowers that grow in clusters at the end of the branches. Each flower has five petals and is about 1 cm long. The plant produces a seedpod that is curved, hairy, and about 1 to 2 cm long.
Care Guide
The Gompholobium Tomentosum is easy to care for and is a low-maintenance plant. Here are some care tips for this plant:
Water: Water the plant regularly during the growing season, but avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot. During winter, reduce watering to keep the soil slightly dry.
Fertilization: Fertilize the plant during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer every two to three weeks.
Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. Use a potting mix that is specifically designed for native plants.
Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it is best to avoid extreme heat and frost.
Hardiness Zones: The plant is suitable for hardiness zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Gompholobium Tomentosum is generally pest and disease resistant, but it can be susceptible to some common problems like root rot, powdery mildew, and spider mites. To prevent these problems, avoid overwatering and ensure good air circulation around the plant.
Habitat
The Gompholobium Tomentosum is native to Australia and is commonly found in the regions of Western Australia, South Australia, and Victoria. It grows in well-draining soils and prefers full sun to partial shade. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it is best to avoid extreme heat and frost.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Gompholobium Tomentosum suitable for indoor growing?
A: While it is possible to grow the Gompholobium Tomentosum indoors, it prefers full sun and is best grown outdoors.
Q: How often should I fertilize the Gompholobium Tomentosum?
A: Fertilize the plant every two to three weeks during the growing season.
Q: How do I propagate the Gompholobium Tomentosum?
A: The plant can be propagated by seed or by taking cuttings in the spring.
Q: How tall does the Gompholobium Tomentosum grow?
A: The plant can grow up to 1.5 meters tall and 2 meters wide.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to the Gompholobium Tomentosum:
- Gompholobium Latifolium
- Gompholobium Nitidum
- Gompholobium Scoparium
- Gompholobium Sieberi
References
- “Gompholobium tomentosum.” Australian Native Plants Society (Australia), https://anpsa.org.au/g-tom.html. Accessed 22 Aug. 2021.
- “Gompholobium tomentosum.” PlantNet, https://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Gompholobium~tomentosum. Accessed 22 Aug. 2021.
- “Gompholobium tomentosum.” Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, https://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/plants/plant-finder/gompholobium-tomentosum. Accessed 22 Aug. 2021.
