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Description
Nertera Villosa, commonly known as the “Coral Bead Plant” or “Beaded Nettle,” is an evergreen plant native to New Zealand and South America. It belongs to the family Rubiaceae and is a low-growing groundcover plant that can reach up to 10cm in height. The plant is popular for its bright orange-red, spherical berries that resemble small coral beads.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Rubiaceae |
| Genus | Nertera |
Appearance
The Nertera Villosa plant has small, round, bright green leaves that are around 1cm in diameter. The leaves grow on trailing stems that can reach up to 50cm in length. The plant produces small, white, star-shaped flowers that bloom in the summer and are followed by the bright orange-red berries that give the plant its common name, “Coral Bead Plant.” The berries are around 5mm in diameter and are held on the plant for several months.
Care Guide
Nertera Villosa is an easy-care plant that requires minimal maintenance. Here are some care tips to keep your plant healthy:- Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix that contains peat moss and perlite.- Sunlight: The plant prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct sunlight.- Hardiness Zones: Nertera Villosa is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Nertera Villosa is generally pest and disease-free. However, here are some common issues that may occur:- Spider mites: These tiny pests may infest the plant, causing yellowing leaves and webbing. Use a miticide spray to treat the plant.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and use a fungicide spray to treat the plant.
Habitat
Nertera Villosa is native to New Zealand and South America, where it grows in damp, shady areas such as forests, stream banks, and rocky outcrops. In cultivation, the plant is grown as a groundcover in rock gardens, containers, and hanging baskets.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water Nertera Villosa?
A: Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot.Q: Can I grow Nertera Villosa indoors?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown indoors in a bright, indirect light location.Q: How do I propagate Nertera Villosa?
A: The plant can be propagated by stem cuttings or by division.Q: How tall does Nertera Villosa grow?
A: The plant grows up to 10cm in height.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Nertera Villosa:- Galium odoratum (Sweet Woodruff)- Asperula odorata (Sweet Woodruff)- Rubia tinctorum (Common Madder)
References
– “Nertera Villosa – Coral Bead Plant,” Gardening Know How, accessed August 11, 2021, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/bead-plant/coral-bead-plant-care.htm.- “Nertera Villosa,” Plant Finder, accessed August 11, 2021, https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b247.
