Contents
Description
Otholobium Acuminatum is a perennial shrub that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to South Africa and is commonly known as the Cape Robin. The shrub can grow up to a height of one meter and has green, trifoliate leaves. It produces small, yellow flowers that bloom in the summer months.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Otholobium |
Appearance
The Otholobium Acuminatum shrub has a dense, bushy habit and can grow up to one meter in height. Its green leaves are trifoliate and have a pinnate leaf arrangement. The leaflets are elliptic and have a smooth texture. The shrub produces small, yellow flowers that bloom in the summer months. The flowers are arranged in clusters at the end of the branches and have a sweet fragrance.
Care Guide
Otholobium Acuminatum is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:
- Water: Water the plant regularly, but do not overwater. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: Plant the shrub in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: Otholobium Acuminatum prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 8-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Otholobium Acuminatum is generally not susceptible to many pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies. To prevent these pests, keep the plant well-watered and remove any dead or damaged leaves. If an infestation occurs, treat the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant can also be affected by root rot if it is overwatered.
Habitat
Otholobium Acuminatum is native to South Africa and can be found growing in the fynbos biome. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate dry conditions. The plant is also commonly grown in gardens and landscapes as an ornamental shrub.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Otholobium Acuminatum a low-maintenance plant?
A: Yes, Otholobium Acuminatum is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for.
Q: What are the common pests and diseases that affect Otholobium Acuminatum?
A: Otholobium Acuminatum is generally not susceptible to many pests and diseases, but it can be affected by spider mites, aphids, whiteflies, and root rot.
Q: What is the preferred habitat of Otholobium Acuminatum?
A: Otholobium Acuminatum is native to South Africa and can be found growing in the fynbos biome. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate dry conditions.
Q: What is the hardiness zone of Otholobium Acuminatum?
A: Otholobium Acuminatum is hardy in USDA zones 8-10.
Related Plants
- Otholobium Angustifolium
- Otholobium Burchellii
- Otholobium Fruticans
- Otholobium Hirtum
References
- “Otholobium Acuminatum.” PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute, 2021, https://www.plantzafrica.com/plantnop/otholobacum.htm.
- “Otholobium Acuminatum.” Missouri Botanical Garden, 2021, https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=279592&isprofile=0&basic=Otholobium%20acuminatum.
- “Otholobium Acuminatum.” World Checklist of Selected Plant Families, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, 2021, http://wcsp.science.kew.org/namedetail.do?name_id=516452.
