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Description
Paranomus Spicatus is a small shrub found in South Africa. It belongs to the Proteaceae family and is known for its beautiful, bright pink flowers. The plant is drought-tolerant and can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. It has narrow leaves and a woody stem. Paranomus Spicatus is commonly used for decorative purposes in gardens and is also used in the cut flower industry.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Proteales |
| Family | Proteaceae |
| Genus | Paranomus |
| Species | Spicatus |
Appearance
Paranomus Spicatus is a small, compact shrub that can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. It has narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are dark green in color. The leaves are around 3-5 cm long and have a slightly rough texture. The flowers of Paranomus Spicatus are the plant’s most striking feature. They are bright pink in color and are shaped like small, spiky balls. The flowers are around 2-3 cm in diameter and are produced in clusters at the end of the stems.
Care Guide
Paranomus Spicatus is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips to help you keep your plant healthy:Water: Paranomus Spicatus is drought-tolerant and doesn’t need a lot of water. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering in the winter.Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a slow-release fertilizer in the spring. Avoid over-fertilizing as this can damage the plant.Soil: Paranomus Spicatus prefers well-draining soil. Use a sandy or loamy soil mix with a pH of around 6-7.Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade.Hardiness Zones: Paranomus Spicatus is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Paranomus Spicatus is generally a healthy plant but can be susceptible to some pests and diseases. Here are some of the most common issues:Spider Mites: Spider mites can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. Use an insecticidal soap or neem oil to control spider mites.Root Rot: Overwatering can lead to root rot. Make sure the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering.
Habitat
Paranomus Spicatus is native to South Africa and is found in the Western Cape Province. The plant grows in sandy or rocky soils in fynbos or renosterveld vegetation.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Paranomus Spicatus be grown in a container?
A: Yes, Paranomus Spicatus can be grown in a container but make sure the container has good drainage.Q: How often should I fertilize my Paranomus Spicatus?
A: Fertilize the plant once a year in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer.Q: Can Paranomus Spicatus tolerate frost?
A: No, Paranomus Spicatus is not frost-tolerant and should be protected from freezing temperatures.Q: How often should I water my Paranomus Spicatus?
A: Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering in the winter.
Related Plants
Other plants in the Proteaceae family include:- Banksia- Grevillea- Leucadendron- Protea- Waratah
References
– PlantZAfrica. (n.d.). Paranomus spicatus. [online] Available at: http://pza.sanbi.org/paranomus-spicatus [Accessed 28 Jul. 2021].- The Spruce. (2021). Paranomus Plant Profile. [online] Available at: https://www.thespruce.com/paranomus-plant-profile-4847022 [Accessed 28 Jul. 2021].
