Contents
Description
Paris Polyphylla, also known as the Himalayan Paris or False Hellebore, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Melanthiaceae. It is native to the Himalayas and can be found in Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, and Pakistan. The plant has a distinctive appearance with its umbrella-like whorls of leaves and greenish-yellow flowers that bloom in early summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Liliales |
| Family | Melanthiaceae |
| Genus | Paris |
Appearance
The Paris Polyphylla plant grows up to 60cm in height and has whorls of 5-9 leaves that are ovate or elliptic. The leaves are dark green with a glossy surface and can grow up to 15cm in length. The flowers are small, greenish-yellow, and have six petals. The fruit is a red berry that is toxic if ingested. The plant has a unique appearance that makes it a popular ornamental plant in gardens.
Care Guide
The Paris Polyphylla plant requires moderate care to thrive. Here are some care tips:
- Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant once a week during the growing season and reduce watering in winter.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to encourage healthy growth.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full shade. Direct sunlight can cause leaf burn.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 6-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Paris Polyphylla plant is susceptible to a few pests and diseases:
- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the plant and cause stunted growth. Use insecticidal soap to control aphids.
- Slugs and Snails: These pests can eat the leaves of the plant. Use slug bait to control slugs and snails.
- Leaf Spot: This fungal disease causes yellow or brown spots on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and use a fungicide to control the disease.
Habitat
The Paris Polyphylla plant is native to the Himalayas and can be found in forests, meadows, and hillsides. It prefers moist soil and partial shade to full shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Paris Polyphylla plant toxic?
A: Yes, the plant is toxic if ingested. The berries contain cardiogenic toxins that can cause heart failure.
Q: Can the Paris Polyphylla plant be grown indoors?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown indoors in a bright, indirect light. However, it prefers to be grown outdoors in partial shade to full shade.
Q: How often should I fertilize the Paris Polyphylla plant?
A: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for the Paris Polyphylla plant?
A: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 6-9.
Related Plants
- Paris quadrifolia
- Paris japonica
- Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis
- Paris verticillata
References
- “Paris Polyphylla.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed July 28, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=f462.
- “Paris polyphylla.” Plantwise Knowledge Bank. Accessed July 28, 2021. https://www.plantwise.org/knowledgebank/datasheet/48468.
- “Paris polyphylla.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed July 28, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/3526/Paris-polyphylla/Details.
