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Description
Mitracarpus Hirtus, also known as Hairy Mitracarpus, is a perennial herb that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. It is native to Africa and is commonly found in countries like Nigeria, Cameroon, and Kenya. The plant grows up to 60cm tall and has small pink or white flowers that bloom throughout the year.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Rubiaceae |
| Genus | Mitracarpus |
Appearance
The leaves of Mitracarpus Hirtus are small, opposite, and hairy. They are about 0.5-2cm long and 0.2-0.8cm wide. The flowers are small, tubular, and have five petals. They are pink or white in color and bloom in clusters at the end of the stems. The fruits are small, rounded, and contain one or two seeds.
Care Guide
Water: Mitracarpus Hirtus prefers well-drained soil and moderate watering. Do not overwater the plant as it can cause root rot.
Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil with a pH of 6-7. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, but it does not like waterlogged soil.
Sunlight: Mitracarpus Hirtus prefers full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade.
Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 10-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Some common pests and diseases that affect Mitracarpus Hirtus include spider mites, whiteflies, and scale insects. To prevent these pests, regularly inspect the plant and remove any infected parts. Fungal diseases like root rot can be prevented by avoiding overwatering the plant.
Habitat
Mitracarpus Hirtus is native to Africa and is commonly found in countries like Nigeria, Cameroon, and Kenya. It grows in open grasslands, rocky areas, and disturbed habitats like roadsides and fields.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Mitracarpus Hirtus a medicinal plant?
A: Yes, the plant has been traditionally used in African medicine to treat various ailments like malaria, fever, and diarrhea.
Q: Can Mitracarpus Hirtus be grown indoors?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown indoors in a sunny window or under grow lights.
Q: How often should Mitracarpus Hirtus be fertilized?
A: The plant should be fertilized once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: What is the ideal temperature range for Mitracarpus Hirtus?
A: The plant prefers temperatures between 20-30°C (68-86°F).
Related Plants
- Mitracarpus Scaber
- Mitracarpus Villosus
- Mitracarpus Frigidus
References
- “Mitracarpus hirtus.” Flora of Zimbabwe. Accessed August 16, 2021. http://www.zimbabweflora.co.zw/speciesdata/species.php?species_id=134210.
- “Mitracarpus hirtus.” PlantZAfrica. Accessed August 16, 2021. http://pza.sanbi.org/mitracarpus-hirtus.
- “Mitracarpus hirtus.” Useful Tropical Plants. Accessed August 16, 2021. https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Mitracarpus+hirtus.
