Kingia

Description

Kingia is a unique plant native to Western Australia. It belongs to the family Xanthorrhoeaceae, which also includes grass trees and blackboys. This plant is named after Philip Parker King, a British explorer who first discovered it in 1820. Kingia is a slow-growing plant that can live up to 600 years, making it a popular choice for landscaping and horticulture.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Kingia has a unique appearance with a thick, woody trunk that can grow up to 6 meters tall. The trunk is topped with a tuft of long, narrow leaves that can reach up to 3 meters in length. The leaves are a bluish-green color and have a sharp tip. Kingia also produces a tall, branched inflorescence that can reach up to 5 meters in height. The inflorescence produces small, cream-colored flowers that are pollinated by insects.

Care Guide

Kingia requires minimal care once established. It prefers well-draining soil and full sunlight. It is drought-tolerant and can survive in hardiness zones 10-11. Watering should be done sparingly as the plant is adapted to dry conditions. Fertilization is not necessary but can be done with a slow-release fertilizer in the spring.

Common Pests & Diseases

Kingia is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly draining soil. Insects such as mealybugs and scale can infest the leaves and trunk, but can be controlled with an insecticide.

Habitat

Kingia is native to the Southwest region of Western Australia. It grows in sandy, well-draining soils and is adapted to a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. It is commonly found in heathlands and open woodlands.

Question and Answer

Q: Can Kingia be grown indoors?

A: No, Kingia is an outdoor plant that requires full sunlight and well-draining soil.

Q: How often should Kingia be watered?

A: Watering should be done sparingly as the plant is adapted to dry conditions. It is best to wait until the soil is dry to the touch before watering.

Q: How tall can Kingia grow?

A: Kingia can grow up to 6 meters tall with a tuft of leaves that can reach up to 3 meters in length.

Q: Is Kingia a popular plant for landscaping?

A: Yes, Kingia is a popular choice for landscaping due to its unique appearance and ability to live up to 600 years.

Related Plants

• Xanthorrhoea
• Lomandra
• Doryanthes
• Cordyline

References

• “Kingia.” Australian Native Plants Society (Australia). Accessed September 13, 2021. https://anpsa.org.au/king.html.
• “Kingia.” Florabank. Accessed September 13, 2021. https://www.florabank.org.au/lucid/key/species%20navigator/media/html/Kingia.htm.
• “Kingia.” PlantZAfrica. Accessed September 13, 2021. https://pza.sanbi.org/kingia.