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Description
Hypericum Aethiopicum, also known as the Ethiopian St. John’s Wort, is a perennial shrub that belongs to the family Hypericaceae. This plant is native to eastern Africa and can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. It has a woody stem and produces large yellow flowers with five petals that bloom from July to September. The flowers are followed by small capsules that contain numerous seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Hypericaceae |
| Genus | Hypericum |
Appearance
The Hypericum Aethiopicum has a woody stem that can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. It produces large yellow flowers with five petals that can measure up to 5 centimeters in diameter. The leaves of this plant are oval-shaped, dark green, and can measure up to 8 centimeters long. The flowers bloom from July to September and are followed by small capsules that contain numerous seeds.
Care Guide
The Hypericum Aethiopicum prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It requires regular watering during the growing season, but the soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings. Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. This plant prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. It is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Hypericum Aethiopicum is susceptible to several pests and diseases. Some of the common pests that can attack this plant include spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies. These pests can cause damage to the leaves, flowers, and stems of the plant. The plant is also susceptible to powdery mildew, which is a fungal disease that can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves. Root rot can also be a problem if the soil is poorly drained or if the plant is overwatered.
Habitat
The Hypericum Aethiopicum is native to eastern Africa, where it grows in open woodlands, grasslands, and rocky areas. It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate both dry and moist conditions. This plant is also commonly found in gardens and parks as an ornamental plant.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Hypericum Aethiopicum tolerate drought?
A: Yes, this plant can tolerate drought, but it prefers regular watering during the growing season.
Q: Is the Hypericum Aethiopicum a good plant for attracting bees and butterflies?
A: Yes, this plant is known to attract bees and butterflies with its large yellow flowers.
Q: How often should I fertilize the Hypericum Aethiopicum?
A: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for the Hypericum Aethiopicum?
A: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11.
Related Plants
- Hypericum Perforatum
- Hypericum Androsaemum
- Hypericum Calycinum
- Hypericum Moserianum
References
- “Hypericum Aethiopicum – Ethiopian St. John’s Wort.” Plants of the World Online. Kew Science. Accessed 22 September 2021. www.powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:433513-1.
- “Hypericum Aethiopicum.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 22 September 2021. www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c201.
- “Hypericum Aethiopicum.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed 22 September 2021. www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/91118/Hypericum-aethiopicum/Details.
