Contents
Description
Palafoxia sphacelata, also known as thickstem palafox or mesa palafox, is a species of flowering plant in the aster family (Asteraceae). It is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where it can be found growing in desert and grassland habitats. The plant is named after Spanish botanist Josefa Palafox y Melzi. It is an annual herb that can grow up to 60 cm tall and produces small, pink or purple flowers.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Palafoxia |
Appearance
The thickstem palafox has a thick stem that is covered in small, white hairs. The leaves are narrow and arranged alternately on the stem. The flowers are small, pink or purple, and have a yellow center. They bloom in the summer and fall. The plant produces small, dry fruits that are dispersed by wind.
Care Guide
The thickstem palafox is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun exposure. It is drought-tolerant and can survive in a range of soil types. Watering should be done sparingly, as the plant can rot if the soil is too moist. Fertilization is not necessary, but a balanced fertilizer can be applied once a month during the growing season. The plant is hardy to USDA zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The thickstem palafox is generally free of pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too moist. Aphids and spider mites can also infest the plant, but these can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
The thickstem palafox is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It can be found growing in desert and grassland habitats, as well as along roadsides and in disturbed areas. It is an important plant for pollinators, providing nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other insects.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the thickstem palafox a perennial or an annual?
A: The thickstem palafox is an annual herb.
Q: What is the ideal growing environment for the thickstem palafox?
A: The thickstem palafox prefers well-draining soil and full sun exposure. It is drought-tolerant and can survive in a range of soil types.
Q: Does the thickstem palafox require fertilization?
A: Fertilization is not necessary, but a balanced fertilizer can be applied once a month during the growing season.
Q: What pests and diseases can infest the thickstem palafox?
A: The thickstem palafox is generally free of pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too moist. Aphids and spider mites can also infest the plant, but these can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Related Plants
- Palafoxia callosa
- Palafoxia linearis
- Palafoxia rosea
References
- “Palafoxia sphacelata (Torr. & A. Gray) A. Gray.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science. Accessed 18 May 2021. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:236303-1.
- “Palafoxia sphacelata.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Accessed 18 May 2021. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=PASP5.
- “Thickstem palafox.” Arizona State University. Accessed 18 May 2021. https://www.desertmuseum.org/policy/anne_thick.php.
