Contents
Description
Lachnaea Densiflora, also known as the woolly lachnaea, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to South Africa and is widely distributed in the Western and Eastern Cape provinces.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Lachnaea |
Appearance
The woolly lachnaea has a rounded, bushy habit and can grow up to 60 cm tall and 80 cm wide. Its leaves are woolly, lance-shaped and gray-green in color. The plant produces many small, yellow flowers that bloom in spring and summer. The flowers are arranged in dense clusters at the top of the stems, which can be up to 10 cm long.
Care Guide
The woolly lachnaea is a hardy and drought-tolerant plant that is easy to grow. Here are some tips for taking care of it:
- Water: Water the plant deeply once per week during the growing season. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once per month during the growing season.
- Soil: The woolly lachnaea prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, from sandy to clayey.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it will not bloom as well.
- Hardiness Zones: The woolly lachnaea is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The woolly lachnaea is generally free of pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly draining soil.
Habitat
The woolly lachnaea grows naturally in rocky, sandy or loamy soil in coastal regions and mountain slopes. It can also be found in disturbed areas such as roadsides and abandoned fields.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the woolly lachnaea a good plant for beginners?
A: Yes, the woolly lachnaea is a great plant for beginners. It is easy to grow and requires minimal care.
Q: Can the woolly lachnaea be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the woolly lachnaea can be grown in containers as long as the container has good drainage and the plant is not overwatered.
Q: Does the woolly lachnaea attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the woolly lachnaea is attractive to bees and other pollinators.
Q: Can the woolly lachnaea tolerate frost?
A: No, the woolly lachnaea is not frost-tolerant and should be protected in cold weather.
Related Plants
- Lachnaea Filaginoides
- Lachnaea Tanacetifolia
- Lachnaea Villosa
References
- “Lachnaea densiflora.” PlantZAfrica. Accessed August 20, 2021. https://www.plantzafrica.com/plantklm/lachnaeadens.htm.
- “Lachnaea densiflora.” San Marcos Growers. Accessed August 20, 2021. https://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=3545.
