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Description
Pectocarya Platycarpa, commonly known as the broadfruit combseed, is a herbaceous annual plant belonging to the Boraginaceae family. It is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The plant grows up to 50 cm tall and produces clusters of small, white flowers with yellow centers. The fruit is a nutlet covered with hooked bristles that allow it to stick to clothing or animal fur for dispersal.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Boraginales |
| Family | Boraginaceae |
| Genus | Pectocarya |
| Species | Platycarpa |
Appearance
Pectocarya Platycarpa has a slender stem with narrow leaves that are up to 8 cm long. The leaves are covered with short, stiff hairs and have a rough texture. The plant produces small, white flowers that are less than 1 cm in diameter. The flowers have five petals that are fused at the base, and five stamens that are shorter than the petals. The fruit is a nutlet that is less than 5 mm in diameter and covered with hooked bristles.
Care Guide
Pectocarya Platycarpa is a hardy plant that is easy to care for. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure. The plant can tolerate some shade but will not grow as well. It requires moderate watering, and the soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. Fertilization is not necessary, but a balanced fertilizer can be applied once a month during the growing season. Pectocarya Platycarpa is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 8-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Pectocarya Platycarpa is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet or poorly drained. To prevent root rot, ensure that the soil is well-drained and allow it to dry out slightly between waterings.
Habitat
Pectocarya Platycarpa is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is commonly found in desert regions, rocky slopes, and along roadsides. The plant can tolerate hot and dry conditions and is adapted to survive in arid environments.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Pectocarya Platycarpa a perennial or an annual plant?
A: Pectocarya Platycarpa is an annual plant that completes its life cycle in one growing season.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Pectocarya Platycarpa?
A: Pectocarya Platycarpa is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 8-10.
Q: How tall does Pectocarya Platycarpa grow?
A: Pectocarya Platycarpa can grow up to 50 cm tall.
Q: What is the fruit of Pectocarya Platycarpa?
A: The fruit of Pectocarya Platycarpa is a nutlet covered with hooked bristles.
Related Plants
- Pectocarya penicillata
- Pectocarya heterocarpa
- Pectocarya setosa
- Pectocarya recurvata
References
- https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/pectocarya_platycarpa.shtml
- https://calscape.org/Pectocarya-platycarpa-()
- https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=PEPL2
