Contents
Description
Phylica Velutina, also known as the velvet Phylica, is a small evergreen shrub that is native to the Western Cape province of South Africa. The plant typically grows up to 1-1.5 meters in height and spreads out to a width of 1-1.5 meters. It is a slow-growing plant that has a lifespan of up to 10 years.
Taxonomic Information
Domain | Eukaryota |
Kingdom | Plantae |
Phylum | Spermatophyta |
Class | Magnoliopsida |
Order | Asterales |
Family | Rhamnaceae |
Genus | Phylica |
Appearance
Phylica Velutina has small, oval-shaped leaves that are covered in a soft, velvety layer of fine hairs. The leaves are a grey-green color and measure around 1-2 cm in length. The plant produces small, white, star-shaped flowers that bloom in late winter or early spring. The flowers are highly fragrant and are arranged in clusters at the tips of the branches.
Care Guide
- Water: Phylica Velutina requires moderate watering. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining, sandy soil with a pH of around 6-7.
- Sunlight: Phylica Velutina requires full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Phylica Velutina is susceptible to a range of pests and diseases, including:
- Aphids: These small, pear-shaped insects feed on the sap of the plant, causing leaves to curl and distort.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests suck the sap from the plant, causing leaves to turn yellow and fall off.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves and stems of the plant.
- Root rot: This fungal disease is caused by overwatering and poorly-draining soil.
Habitat
Phylica Velutina is native to the fynbos biome of the Western Cape province of South Africa. It grows in sandy or rocky soils on hillsides and in mountainous areas. The plant is well adapted to the dry climate and can survive periods of drought.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water Phylica Velutina?
A: Phylica Velutina requires moderate watering. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged.
Q: What type of soil does Phylica Velutina prefer?
A: The plant prefers well-draining, sandy soil with a pH of around 6-7.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Phylica Velutina?
A: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Q: What is the lifespan of Phylica Velutina?
A: Phylica Velutina is a slow-growing plant that has a lifespan of up to 10 years.
Related Plants
- Phylica Arborea
- Phylica Ericoides
- Phylica Pubescens
- Phylica Robusta
References
- “Phylica velutina.” PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute, 2017, http://pza.sanbi.org/phylica-velutina. Accessed 20 October 2021.
- “Phylica velutina.” The Plant List, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and Missouri Botanical Garden, 2013, http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/tro-27500347. Accessed 20 October 2021.
- “Velvet Phylica.” Gardenia, Gardenia.net, https://www.gardenia.net/plant/phylica-velutina-velvet-phylica. Accessed 20 October 2021.