Pholisma

Description

Pholisma is a genus of parasitic plants native to the western United States and Mexico. It belongs to the family Boraginaceae, which includes popular garden plants such as forget-me-not and borage. Pholisma grows underground and attaches itself to the roots of other plants, particularly shrubs in the chaparral and desert regions. The plant produces a single, fleshy stem that emerges above ground and bears small, white flowers in the summer.

Taxonomic Information

Domain: Eukaryota

Kingdom: Plantae

Phylum: Magnoliophyta

Class: Magnoliopsida

Order: Lamiales

Family: Boraginaceae

Genus: Pholisma

Appearance

Pholisma has a unique appearance due to its parasitic nature. The stem that emerges from the ground is thick and fleshy, and can grow up to 30 centimeters tall. The stem is usually a grayish-brown color, and may be covered in small bumps or ridges. The flowers are small and white, and grow in clusters at the top of the stem. The leaves of Pholisma are reduced to small, scale-like structures that do not photosynthesize.

Care Guide

Pholisma is a parasitic plant and therefore does not require traditional care. However, gardeners should avoid disturbing the roots of the host plants that Pholisma is attached to. The plant is adapted to the arid conditions of the desert and chaparral, so it does not require additional watering or fertilization. Pholisma grows in well-draining soils and prefers full sun exposure. It is hardy in USDA zones 8-10.

Common Pests & Diseases

Pholisma is not typically affected by pests or diseases, likely due to its underground growth habit and parasitic nature.

Habitat

Pholisma is native to the western United States and Mexico, where it grows in the chaparral and desert regions. It is often found growing alongside shrubs such as sagebrush and creosote bush. Pholisma is adapted to the arid conditions of these regions and is able to survive long periods of drought.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Pholisma a common garden plant?

A: No, Pholisma is not commonly grown in gardens due to its parasitic nature.

Q: How does Pholisma obtain nutrients?

A: Pholisma obtains nutrients by attaching itself to the roots of other plants.

Q: Does Pholisma require regular watering?

A: No, Pholisma does not require additional watering due to its adaptation to arid conditions.

Q: Can Pholisma be grown indoors?

A: No, Pholisma is not suitable for indoor growing due to its parasitic nature.

Related Plants

• Heliotropium
• Myosotis
• Borago officinalis
• Cryptantha

References

• “Pholisma sonorae (Torr.) Torr.” USDA Plants Database. Accessed September 2021. https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=PHSO.
• “Pholisma.” Flora of North America. Accessed September 2021. http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=123110.