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Description
Hypoxis Juncea, commonly known as Rush Lily or Narrow-leafed Star of Bethlehem, is a perennial plant belonging to the Hypoxidaceae family. This plant is native to the southern parts of Africa and grows up to 20 cm tall. The plant has long, narrow leaves that grow in a rosette pattern, and it produces bright yellow flowers in the spring and summer. The flowers have six petals and are star-shaped, which is where the plant gets its common name, Star of Bethlehem.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain| Eukarya|| Kingdom| Plantae|| Phylum| Tracheophyta|| Class| Liliopsida|| Order| Asparagales|| Family| Hypoxidaceae|| Genus| Hypoxis|| Species| Juncea|
Appearance
The Hypoxis Juncea plant has long, narrow leaves that are about 15-30 cm in length and 1-3 mm in width. The leaves are dark green and grow in a rosette pattern, forming a clump at the base of the plant. The plant produces bright yellow flowers that are 2-3 cm in diameter and have six petals. The flowers bloom from spring to summer and are borne on long, slender stems that rise above the leaves.
Care Guide
To care for a Hypoxis Juncea plant, you need to provide it with adequate water, fertilization, soil, sunlight, and ensure it is in the correct hardiness zone. – Water: Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.- Fertilization: Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.- Soil: Use well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun to partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: Hypoxis Juncea grows best in zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Hypoxis Juncea is relatively pest-free and disease-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. Watch out for spider mites and mealybugs, which can damage the leaves and flowers.
Habitat
Hypoxis Juncea is native to the southern parts of Africa and grows in grasslands, savannas, and rocky outcrops. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Hypoxis Juncea be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Hypoxis Juncea can be grown indoors if you provide it with plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil.
Q: Does Hypoxis Juncea attract bees?
A: Yes, Hypoxis Juncea is a great plant to attract bees to your garden.
Q: How often should I water my Hypoxis Juncea plant?
A: Water your Hypoxis Juncea plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Hypoxis Juncea plant?
A: Fertilize your Hypoxis Juncea plant every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Related Plants
– Hypoxis Hemerocallidea- Hypoxis Glabella- Hypoxis Obtusa- Hypoxis Rooperi
References
– “Hypoxis Juncea.” PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute, www.plantzafrica.com/plantgh/hypoxjuncea.htm.- “Hypoxis Juncea.” World Checklist of Selected Plant Families, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, wcsp.science.kew.org/namedetail.do?name_id=281605.- “Hypoxis Juncea.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=279563&isprofile=0&pt=1.
