Contents
Description
Hydrolea Spinosa, commonly known as the spiny water-primrose, is a perennial herb native to the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. It belongs to the family of flowering plants called the Primulaceae, which includes approximately 800 species worldwide. The spiny water-primrose is a popular plant in aquatic gardens and water features, and it is also used in traditional medicine for its medicinal properties.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Magnoliophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Primulaceae |
| Genus | Hydrolea |
| Species | Spinosa |
Appearance
The spiny water-primrose is a sprawling plant with long, slender stems that can reach up to 1.5 meters in length. Its leaves are alternate, lanceolate or ovate in shape, and can be up to 15 cm long. The leaves are green in color and have a smooth, waxy texture on the upper surface, while the lower surface is covered with small prickles.The spiny water-primrose produces small, blue or purple flowers that are approximately 2 cm in diameter. The flowers are arranged in clusters at the end of the stems and have 5 petals that are slightly fringed. The fruit is a capsule that contains many small seeds.
Care Guide
Water: The spiny water-primrose requires consistently moist soil, and it can tolerate standing water for short periods of time. It is best to keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged.Fertilization: The spiny water-primrose does not require regular fertilization, but it can benefit from a slow-release fertilizer applied in the spring.Soil: The spiny water-primrose prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy or clay soils.Sunlight: The spiny water-primrose requires full sun to partial shade to thrive. It can tolerate some shade, but it will not flower as well.Hardiness Zones: The spiny water-primrose is hardy in USDA zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The spiny water-primrose is generally pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. It may also attract aphids or spider mites, which can be controlled with an insecticidal soap spray.
Habitat
The spiny water-primrose is found in a variety of wetland habitats, including marshes, swamps, and along the edges of ponds and streams. It is native to the southeastern United States, but it has been introduced to other parts of the world, including South America, Africa, and Asia.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the spiny water-primrose be grown in containers?A: Yes, the spiny water-primrose can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system and the soil is kept consistently moist.Q: Is the spiny water-primrose invasive?A: Yes, the spiny water-primrose is considered invasive in some parts of the world, including South Africa and Australia.Q: Is the spiny water-primrose poisonous to humans or animals?A: No, the spiny water-primrose is not poisonous to humans or animals.Q: How often should the spiny water-primrose be fertilized?A: The spiny water-primrose does not require regular fertilization, but it can benefit from a slow-release fertilizer applied in the spring.
Related Plants
- Hydrolea corymbosa
- Hydrolea quadrivalvis
- Hydrolea uniflora
References
- “Hydrolea Spinosa.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287774&isprofile=0&basic=Hydrolea%20spinosa.
- “Hydrolea.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 8 Aug. 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrolea.
- “Hydrolea Spinosa.” PlantFiles, Dave’s Garden, www.davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/1287/.
