Contents
Description
Ledenbergia is a plant genus belonging to the Apiaceae family. It is composed of only one species, Ledenbergia macrocarpa, which is native to South Africa. This plant is also known as the South African parsley, and it is a biennial or perennial herb that can grow up to 1.5 meters in height.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Apiales |
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Genus | Ledenbergia |
Appearance
The Ledenbergia plant has a basal rosette of leaves that are green and glossy. The leaves are deeply lobed and can grow up to 30 centimeters in length. The stem is also green and can be hairy, especially towards the top. The flowers of this plant are small, white, and arranged in umbels. The fruit is a dry, round, and flattened schizocarp that can grow up to 2.5 centimeters in diameter.
Care Guide
Ledenbergia plants prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. They require moderate watering, and the soil should be kept slightly moist but not waterlogged. Fertilization should be done once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. These plants thrive in full sun or partial shade and can tolerate hardiness zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Ledenbergia plants are susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. These pests can cause damage to the leaves and stems of the plant. Diseases that can affect Ledenbergia include powdery mildew and root rot.
Habitat
Ledenbergia is native to South Africa and can be found growing in grasslands, savannas, and forests. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate both dry and wet conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Ledenbergia a rare plant?
A: Yes, Ledenbergia is considered a rare plant.
Q: Can Ledenbergia be grown in a container?
A: Yes, Ledenbergia can be grown in a container as long as it has enough space to grow.
Q: Is Ledenbergia toxic to pets?
A: There is no evidence that Ledenbergia is toxic to pets, but it is always best to keep pets away from plants.
Q: How often should Ledenbergia be fertilized?
A: Ledenbergia should be fertilized once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Related Plants
- Apium graveolens (Celery)
- Carum carvi (Caraway)
- Coriandrum sativum (Coriander)
- Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel)
- Petroselinum crispum (Parsley)
References
- “Ledenbergia macrocarpa.” PlantZAfrica. South African National Biodiversity Institute, n.d. Web. 03 Sept. 2021.
- “Ledenbergia macrocarpa.” RHS. The Royal Horticultural Society, n.d. Web. 03 Sept. 2021.
- “Ledenbergia macrocarpa.” World Checklist of Selected Plant Families. The Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, n.d. Web. 03 Sept. 2021.
