Contents
Description
Parnassia Wightiana is a beautiful plant species that belongs to the family Celastraceae. It is native to India and grows mainly in the Western Ghats of South India. It is a perennial herb that can grow up to 50 cm in height. The plant has a rosette of basal leaves and a single stem with terminal flowers. The flowers are white with a yellow center and have five petals. The plant is known for its medicinal properties and is used to treat various ailments.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Celastrales |
| Family | Celastraceae |
| Genus | Parnassia |
Appearance
Parnassia Wightiana is a beautiful plant that has a unique appearance. The plant has a rosette of basal leaves that are green in color and have a smooth texture. The leaves are broad and oval-shaped and can grow up to 15 cm in length. The stem of the plant is thin and can grow up to 50 cm in height. The terminal flowers of the plant are the main attraction. The flowers are white with a yellow center and have five petals. The petals are arranged in a radial pattern, and the flower has a diameter of around 2 cm. The plant blooms from July to September.
Care Guide
Parnassia Wightiana is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips to help you take care of your plant:- Water: The plant requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. Make sure to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.- Fertilization: The plant can be fertilized using a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season.- Soil: The plant can grow in a variety of soil types, but it prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade or filtered sunlight. It can grow in full sun but requires more frequent watering.- Hardiness Zones: The plant can grow in hardiness zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Parnassia Wightiana is a hardy plant that is not prone to many pests and diseases. However, here are some common issues that you may encounter:- Aphids: These tiny insects can be controlled by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can be prevented by ensuring that the plant has adequate air circulation and is not overcrowded.
Habitat
Parnassia Wightiana is native to the Western Ghats of South India. It grows in wet, grassy areas, and can be found at elevations ranging from 900 to 1600 meters. The plant is commonly found in the forests of the Western Ghats and is known for its medicinal properties.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Parnassia Wightiana a rare plant?
A: Yes, Parnassia Wightiana is considered a rare plant. It is native to a specific region in India and is not commonly found elsewhere.
Q: Can Parnassia Wightiana be grown indoors?
A: No, Parnassia Wightiana is an outdoor plant that requires partial shade or filtered sunlight.
Q: How long does it take for Parnassia Wightiana to bloom?
A: Parnassia Wightiana blooms from July to September.
Q: Is Parnassia Wightiana poisonous?
A: No, Parnassia Wightiana is not poisonous. However, it is not recommended for consumption.
Related Plants
– Parnassia Asarifolia- Parnassia Gabonica- Parnassia Gracilis- Parnassia Palustris
References
– “Parnassia Wightiana: A Medicinal Plant of Western Ghats, India.” International Journal of Ayurvedic and Herbal Medicine, vol. 4, no. 4, 2014, pp. 1383-1387.- “Parnassia Wightiana.” Flowers of India, www.flowersofindia.net/catalog/slides/Wight%27s%20Grass.html.
