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Description
Linum Usitatissimum, commonly known as the flax plant, is an annual herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Linaceae. It is native to the Mediterranean region and is now widely cultivated in temperate and tropical regions for its fiber and oil. The plant grows up to 1.2 meters tall and has slender stems with narrow leaves. Its flowers are blue or white and have five petals. The fruit of the plant is a round capsule that contains several small, shiny, and brown seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Linaceae |
| Genus | Linum |
Appearance
The flax plant has a slender stem with narrow leaves that are about 1-2.5 cm wide and up to 4 cm long. Its flowers are blue or white and have five petals that are about 1 cm long. The fruit of the plant is a round capsule that is about 5 mm in diameter and contains several small, shiny, and brown seeds that are about 3-4 mm long. The seeds have a hard seed coat and are rich in oil and fiber.
Care Guide
For optimal growth, the flax plant requires well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It prefers full sun exposure and requires regular watering during the growing season. The plant does not require frequent fertilization, but a balanced fertilizer can be applied during the growing season to promote growth. The flax plant is hardy in USDA zones 4-9 and can tolerate temperatures down to -28°C.
Common Pests & Diseases
The flax plant is susceptible to various pests and diseases, including aphids, spider mites, and fungal diseases such as damping-off and root rot. To prevent these issues, it is important to practice good sanitation and avoid overwatering the plant. Insecticides and fungicides can be used to control pests and diseases if necessary.
Habitat
The flax plant is native to the Mediterranean region and is now widely cultivated in temperate and tropical regions for its fiber and oil. It grows well in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the primary use of the flax plant?
A: The primary use of the flax plant is for the production of fiber and oil.
Q: What are the ideal growing conditions for the flax plant?
A: The flax plant prefers well-drained soil, full sun exposure, and regular watering during the growing season.
Q: What are some common pests and diseases that affect the flax plant?
A: The flax plant is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and fungal diseases such as damping-off and root rot.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for the flax plant?
A: The flax plant is hardy in USDA zones 4-9 and can tolerate temperatures down to -28°C.
Related Plants
- Linum perenne (Perennial Flax)
- Linum grandiflorum (Scarlet Flax)
- Linum lewisii (Lewis Flax)
- Linum suffruticosum (Dwarf Flax)
References
- Flora of North America. (n.d.). Linum. In Flora of North America. Retrieved April 1, 2021, from https://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=118854
- USDA. (2020). Flax. In USDA Plants Database. Retrieved April 1, 2021, from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=LIUS
