Contents
Description
Melica Scabrosa is a perennial grass that belongs to the Poaceae family. It is native to the Mediterranean region and is commonly found in Spain, France, Italy, and Greece. The plant has a unique appearance with its long, narrow leaves and delicate, branching inflorescences that are pale green in color. It grows up to a height of 60 cm and has a spread of 30 cm.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Melica |
Appearance
The Melica Scabrosa has long, narrow leaves that are green in color. The leaves are rough to the touch and can grow up to 25 cm in length. The inflorescences are branching and can grow up to 15 cm in length. They are pale green in color and have a delicate appearance. The plant has a clumping growth habit and can grow up to a height of 60 cm with a spread of 30 cm.
Care Guide
To care for the Melica Scabrosa, it is essential to provide it with adequate water, fertilization, and sunlight. The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate partial shade but prefers full sunlight. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 10.
Water
The Melica Scabrosa requires moderate watering. It is important not to overwater the plant as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
The plant requires minimal fertilization. However, a light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring can help improve the plant’s growth.
Soil
The Melica Scabrosa prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5.
Sunlight
The plant prefers full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade.
Hardiness Zones
The Melica Scabrosa is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Melica Scabrosa is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to rust and leaf spot diseases. To prevent these diseases, it is essential to provide the plant with adequate air circulation and to avoid overwatering.
Habitat
The Melica Scabrosa is native to the Mediterranean region and is commonly found in Spain, France, Italy, and Greece. The plant prefers well-drained soil and can grow in both full sunlight and partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the growth habit of Melica Scabrosa?
A: The plant has a clumping growth habit and can grow up to a height of 60 cm with a spread of 30 cm.
Q: What are the common pests and diseases that affect Melica Scabrosa?
A: The plant is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to rust and leaf spot diseases.
Q: What is the preferred soil pH range for Melica Scabrosa?
A: The soil should be slightly acidic with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5.
Q: What are the hardiness zones for Melica Scabrosa?
A: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 10.
Related Plants
- Melica Altissima
- Melica Uniflora
- Melica Nutans
- Melica Ciliata
References
- “Melica Scabrosa.” Plant Finder. Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 20 Oct. 2021. <http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=g810>.
- “Melica Scabrosa.” The Plant List. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 20 Oct. 2021. <http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/kew-424262>.
