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Description
Physaria Calderi is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It is native to North America and is commonly found in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and Utah. This plant is also known as Calder’s bladderpod, named after the botanist who discovered it.This unique plant species grows up to 6 inches tall and has a basal rosette of leaves. It has yellow flowers that bloom in the spring and summer. The fruit of Physaria Calderi is a round, inflated pod that resembles a bladder, hence the name “bladderpod.” These pods contain seeds that are dispersed by the wind.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Genus | Physaria |
| Species | Calderi |
Appearance
Physaria Calderi has a unique appearance with its yellow flowers and bladder-like pods. The leaves of this plant are basal and form a rosette at the base of the stem. The leaves are gray-green in color and have a fuzzy texture.The flowers of Physaria Calderi grow in clusters at the end of the stem. They are bright yellow and have four petals that form a cross shape. The flowers bloom in the spring and summer and attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and flies.After the flowers are pollinated, they produce inflated pods that resemble bladders. These pods are green at first and then turn brown as they mature. Inside these pods are seeds that are dispersed by the wind.
Care Guide
Physaria Calderi is a hardy plant that is easy to grow. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:Water: This plant prefers well-drained soil and does not like to be waterlogged. Water it once a week during the growing season and less frequently during the dormant season.Fertilization: Physaria Calderi does not require fertilization, but you can add a balanced fertilizer once a year in the spring.Soil: This plant prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. It can tolerate rocky or sandy soil.Sunlight: Physaria Calderi prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Physaria Calderi is not prone to many pests or diseases. However, it can be affected by powdery mildew, which is a fungal disease that causes a white powdery coating on the leaves. To prevent this disease, make sure the plant has good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
Habitat
Physaria Calderi is native to North America and is commonly found in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and Utah. It grows in rocky or sandy soil and prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. This plant is adapted to the harsh mountain environment and can tolerate cold temperatures and drought.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Physaria Calderi an endangered species?
A: No, this plant is not currently listed as an endangered species.Q: Can Physaria Calderi grow in containers?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-drained and the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s roots.Q: How often should I water Physaria Calderi?
A: Water this plant once a week during the growing season and less frequently during the dormant season.Q: What is the best time to plant Physaria Calderi?
A: The best time to plant this plant is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Physaria Calderi:
- Physaria didymocarpa
- Physaria kingii
- Physaria globosa
- Physaria ludoviciana
References
- “Physaria Calderi.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d404. Accessed 18 Aug. 2021.
- “Physaria Calderi.” USDA Plants Database, plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=PHCA22. Accessed 18 Aug. 2021.
- “Calder’s Bladderpod (Physaria Calderi).” Colorado Native Plant Society, www.conps.org/calder-s-bladderpod-physaria-calderi.html. Accessed 18 Aug. 2021.
