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Description
Pholisma Arenarium, commonly known as Sandfood, is a parasitic plant that belongs to the Boraginaceae family. It is native to the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts in California, Arizona, and Mexico. The plant has a unique relationship with its host, which is usually a shrub or a cactus. It attaches itself to the roots of the host and penetrates its tissues to obtain water and nutrients. Pholisma Arenarium has been used as a food source by Native American tribes, and it is also believed to have medicinal properties.
Taxonomic Information
Domain | Eukarya |
---|---|
Kingdom | Plantae |
Phylum | Tracheophyta |
Class | Magnoliopsida |
Order | Boraginales |
Family | Boraginaceae |
Genus | Pholisma |
Appearance
Pholisma Arenarium has a unique appearance that sets it apart from other plants. It has a fleshy, tuberous stem that can grow up to 20 cm in length and 5 cm in diameter. The stem is covered with thick, warty, brownish-gray scales that protect it from the harsh desert environment. The plant produces small, white, bell-shaped flowers that bloom from June to August. The flowers are followed by green, oval-shaped fruits that contain numerous small seeds.
Care Guide
Pholisma Arenarium is a parasitic plant that does not require much care. It obtains most of its water and nutrients from its host plant. However, if you want to grow it in your garden, here are some care tips:
- Water: The plant does not require much water, as it obtains most of its moisture from its host. Water it sparingly in dry periods.
- Fertilization: The plant does not require fertilization, as it obtains most of its nutrients from its host. However, you can add some slow-release fertilizer to the soil around the host plant.
- Soil: The plant does not require any special soil, as it attaches itself to the roots of its host. However, make sure the soil around the host is well-draining.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Pholisma Arenarium is not known to be affected by any pests or diseases. However, if the host plant is affected by pests or diseases, it can affect the growth and health of the Sandfood plant.
Habitat
Pholisma Arenarium is native to the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts in California, Arizona, and Mexico. It grows in sandy or gravelly soils, usually in association with shrubs or cacti. The plant is adapted to the harsh desert environment, and its thick scales protect it from the intense sunlight and extreme temperatures.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Pholisma Arenarium a rare plant?
A: Yes, Pholisma Arenarium is considered a rare plant, as it has a limited distribution and is not commonly found in cultivation.
Q: Can Pholisma Arenarium be grown indoors?
A: No, Pholisma Arenarium is a parasitic plant that requires a host plant to grow. It cannot be grown indoors without a suitable host.
Q: Can Pholisma Arenarium be propagated from seeds?
A: Yes, Pholisma Arenarium can be propagated from seeds. However, it may take several years for the plant to reach maturity.
Q: Is Pholisma Arenarium poisonous?
A: There is no evidence to suggest that Pholisma Arenarium is poisonous. However, it is not commonly used as a food source.
Related Plants
- Pholisma Sonorae
- Pholisma Parviflorum
- Pholisma Filiforme
- Pholisma Wigginsii
References
- “Pholisma Arenarium.” World Checklist of Selected Plant Families, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
- “Pholisma Arenarium.” The Jepson Herbarium, University of California, Berkeley.
- “Pholisma Arenarium.” Calflora: Information on California plants for education, research and conservation.