Contents
Description
Machaerina Articulata is a unique aquatic plant that is native to the Americas, including North, Central, and South America. This plant is also known as Jointed Spike-rush or Jointed Spikerush due to its distinctive jointed stems. It belongs to the family Cyperaceae and is a perennial herbaceous plant that can grow up to 1.5 meters in height. It has a cylindrical stem that is hollow and green in color.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Cyperaceae |
| Genus | Machaerina |
Appearance
Machaerina Articulata has long, narrow, and pointed leaves that grow alternately along the stem. Its flowers are small and brown, and they grow in clusters at the end of the stem. The fruit of the plant is a small, brown, and oval-shaped nutlet.
Care Guide
To care for Machaerina Articulata, you should ensure that it has access to plenty of water. This plant can grow in water up to 6 inches deep, making it ideal for ponds or as a water garden plant. It requires full sunlight or partial shade to thrive. Fertilization is not necessary for Machaerina Articulata since it can obtain all the nutrients it needs from the water. However, you can add aquatic plant fertilizer every two weeks to promote healthy growth. The plant prefers a soil that is rich in nutrients, such as clay or loam.Machaerina Articulata is hardy in USDA zones 8-11, and it can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F (-6°C).
Common Pests & Diseases
Machaerina Articulata is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to fungal diseases if it is grown in stagnant water or poor soil conditions. Common pests include aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs. To prevent infestations, ensure that the plant is kept clean and dry.
Habitat
Machaerina Articulata is native to wetlands, marshes, and swamps in the Americas. It can grow in standing water, shallow streams or ponds. It is a popular plant for water gardens and is often used to help filter water.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Machaerina Articulata grow in saltwater?
A: No, this plant cannot tolerate saltwater. It requires freshwater to thrive.
Q: How often should I fertilize Machaerina Articulata?
A: You can fertilize this plant every two weeks during the growing season to promote healthy growth.
Q: Is Machaerina Articulata harmful to fish?
A: No, this plant is not harmful to fish. It can provide a natural habitat and food source for fish in ponds or water gardens.
Q: Can I grow Machaerina Articulata indoors?
A: No, this plant requires a large amount of water and sunlight to thrive, making it unsuitable for indoor growth.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Machaerina Articulata:
- Machaerina Gracillima
- Machaerina Rubiginosa
- Machaerina Texana
References
- “Machaerina Articulata.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c802.
- “Jointed Spikerush.” Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/plants/jointed-spikerush/.
