Contents
Description
Hewittia Malabarica is a flowering plant native to India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia. It belongs to the family Acanthaceae and is known for its beautiful, small, purple flowers. The plant has a bushy growth habit and can grow up to 1.5 meters in height. Its leaves are dark green and shiny with prominent veins.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Acanthaceae |
| Genus | Hewittia |
Appearance
The Hewittia Malabarica plant has a bushy growth habit and can grow up to 1.5 meters in height. Its leaves are dark green and shiny with prominent veins. The plant produces small, purple flowers that are arranged in clusters at the end of the stems. The flowers have a unique shape with two lips, one upper and one lower, and are about 1 cm in length. The plant blooms from late spring to early autumn.
Care Guide
Water: The plant requires regular watering to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Water the plant thoroughly once a week, and adjust the frequency based on the environmental conditions.
Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season to promote healthy growth and blooming.
Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. A soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5 is ideal for optimal growth.
Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full sun. It can tolerate full sun if the soil remains moist, but it may need more frequent watering.
Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The plant is susceptible to spider mites, scales, and mealybugs. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant may also be affected by root rot if the soil remains waterlogged, so it is important to ensure proper drainage.
Habitat
Hewittia Malabarica is native to India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia. It grows in tropical and subtropical regions and prefers a warm and humid climate. The plant can be found in forests, grasslands, and along riverbanks.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the ideal soil pH for Hewittia Malabarica?
A: The ideal soil pH for Hewittia Malabarica is between 6.0 and 7.5.
Q: What pests are common on Hewittia Malabarica?
A: Spider mites, scales, and mealybugs are common pests on Hewittia Malabarica.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Hewittia Malabarica?
A: Hewittia Malabarica is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Q: When does Hewittia Malabarica bloom?
A: Hewittia Malabarica blooms from late spring to early autumn.
Related Plants
- Hewittia sublobata
- Hewittia hedyotidea
- Hewittia floribunda
- Hewittia longipedunculata
References
- “Hewittia Malabarica.” Flora of Pakistan – eFloras.org. Missouri Botanical Garden. Web. 27 Aug. 2021.
- “Hewittia Malabarica (L.) Suresh.” Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Web. 27 Aug. 2021.
- “Hewittia Malabarica – Plant Finder.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Web. 27 Aug. 2021.
