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Description
Pilostyles Thurberi, commonly known as Thurber’s stem parasite, is a unique plant that grows as a parasitic vine on the stems of various desert shrubs. This plant has evolved to depend on its host plant for all of its nutrients and water. It is named after its discoverer, George Thurber, who found it in Arizona in 1854.
Taxonomic Information
Below is the taxonomic information for Pilostyles Thurberi:
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Magnoliophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Santalales |
| Family | Apodanthaceae |
| Genus | Pilostyles |
Appearance
Pilostyles Thurberi has a unique appearance due to its parasitic nature. It has very little above-ground growth, with only small, greenish-yellow flowers that are less than 2 mm in length. Its stem is thick and fleshy, and it is usually about the same diameter as the host stem. The stem is covered in scales and has no leaves. It is a small plant, rarely growing more than a few centimeters in length.
Care Guide
Since Pilostyles Thurberi is a parasitic plant, care instructions are not necessary. However, here are some tips for caring for the host plant:
Water: Water the host plant regularly, but do not overwater it. Desert shrubs are adapted to dry conditions and do not need much water.
Fertilization: You do not need to fertilize the host plant for the benefit of Pilostyles Thurberi. The parasite obtains all of its nutrients from the host plant.
Soil: Use well-draining soil for the host plant. Desert shrubs are adapted to sandy and rocky soils.
Sunlight: Desert shrubs require full sun to thrive. Make sure they are planted in a location with plenty of direct sunlight.
Hardiness Zones: Pilostyles Thurberi is found in the desert regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where the climate is hot and dry. It is adapted to USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Pilostyles Thurberi is not known to be affected by any pests or diseases. However, the host plant may be susceptible to pests such as aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. It may also be affected by diseases such as powdery mildew and root rot.
Habitat
Pilostyles Thurberi is found in the desert regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It grows as a parasite on the stems of various desert shrubs, including creosote bush, mesquite, and ironwood.
Question and Answer
Q: How does Pilostyles Thurberi obtain nutrients from the host plant?
A: Pilostyles Thurberi has specialized structures called haustoria that penetrate the host plant’s stem and absorb its nutrients and water.
Q: Is Pilostyles Thurberi harmful to the host plant?
A: Pilostyles Thurberi does not usually harm the host plant, but it may reduce its growth and vigor.
Q: Can Pilostyles Thurberi grow on any type of host plant?
A: Pilostyles Thurberi is specialized to grow on the stems of desert shrubs, so it cannot grow on any type of host plant.
Q: Is Pilostyles Thurberi a rare plant?
A: Pilostyles Thurberi is not common, but it is not considered a rare plant. It is found in the desert regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Pilostyles Thurberi:
- Cuscuta
- Alectra
- Orobanche
- Striga
References
- https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/pilostyles_thurberi.shtml
- https://www.desertmuseum.org/kids/oz/long-fact-sheets/Pilostyles%20thurberi.php
- https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/193417-Pilostyles-thurberi
