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Description
Otholobium Sericeum is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the legume family. It is native to the Cape Floristic Region of South Africa, specifically in the Western Cape Province. This plant is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 1 meter tall. Otholobium Sericeum is known for its small, white flowers that bloom in the spring and summer months.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Leguminosae |
| Genus | Otholobium |
Appearance
Otholobium Sericeum has small, oval-shaped leaves that are silver-green in color. The leaves are covered in fine hairs that give them a silky texture. The flowers of this plant are small and white, with a yellow center. They bloom in the spring and summer months, and are followed by small, brown seed pods.
Care Guide
Otholobium Sericeum is a relatively low-maintenance plant. It prefers well-drained soil and should be watered regularly, but not overwatered. It can tolerate some drought, but should be watered during prolonged dry periods. Fertilization is not necessary, but can be done once a year in the spring. This plant prefers full sun to partial shade and is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Otholobium Sericeum is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. To prevent this, make sure the soil is well-drained and avoid overwatering. If the plant is grown in a container, make sure it has adequate drainage holes.
Habitat
Otholobium Sericeum is native to the Cape Floristic Region of South Africa, specifically in the Western Cape Province. It is found in fynbos vegetation, which is a type of shrubland that is known for its high biodiversity. This plant prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Otholobium Sericeum be grown indoors?
A: Yes, it can be grown indoors in a container as long as it has adequate drainage.
Q: Is Otholobium Sericeum drought-tolerant?
A: Yes, it can tolerate some drought, but should be watered during prolonged dry periods.
Q: Does Otholobium Sericeum attract pollinators?
A: Yes, its small white flowers attract bees and other pollinators.
Q: Can Otholobium Sericeum be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, it can be propagated from softwood cuttings taken in the spring.
Related Plants
- Otholobium Acrophyllum
- Otholobium Bracteolatum
- Otholobium Lineare
- Otholobium Pubescens
References
- Bean, A.R. (2001). A revision of the genus Otholobium (Fabaceae: Psoraleeae).
- Bonafede, L. (2010). Otholobium sericeum. Curtis’s Botanical Magazine, 27(1), 102-108.
- Goldblatt, P., & Manning, J. (2002). Plant diversity of the Cape Region of southern Africa. Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden, 89(3), 281-302.
- Hilton-Taylor, C. (1996). Red data list of southern African plants.
