Plocama is a genus of flowering plants that belongs to the family Rubiaceae, which is native to the Canary Islands, Madeira, and the Azores. It is a small genus of only two species, Plocama pendula and Plocama calabrica. P. pendula is a shrub that grows up to 2 meters tall, while P. calabrica is a herbaceous plant that grows up to 60 cm tall. Both species produce small, white or pink flowers that bloom in the summer season.
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Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Rubiaceae |
| Genus | Plocama |
Appearance
Plocama pendula is a shrub that can grow up to 2 meters tall. It has a woody stem and branches that are covered in small, oval-shaped leaves. The leaves are dark green in color and can grow up to 2 cm in length. The shrub produces small, white or pink flowers that bloom in the summer season. The flowers are bell-shaped and have five petals. Plocama calabrica is a herbaceous plant that grows up to 60 cm tall. It has thin, green stems and small, oval-shaped leaves that are arranged in opposite pairs. The plant produces small, pink flowers that bloom in the summer season.
Care Guide
Plocama plants require moderate care and attention to thrive. Here are some care tips to help you grow healthy Plocama plants:
- Water: Plocama plants require moderate watering during the growing season. Ensure the soil is moist, but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Plocama plants require regular fertilization during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer every two weeks to promote healthy growth.
- Soil: Plocama plants require well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Use a mixture of sand and peat moss to improve soil drainage.
- Sunlight: Plocama plants require full sun to partial shade to grow healthy. Ensure the plants receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
- Hardiness Zones: Plocama plants are hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11. Protect the plants from frost and freezing temperatures.
Common Pests & Diseases
Plocama plants are susceptible to a few pests and diseases. Here are some common ones to watch out for:
- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and yellow leaves. Use insecticidal soap to control aphids.
- Spider Mites: These tiny mites can damage leaves and cause discoloration. Use a miticide to control spider mites.
- Root Rot: Overwatering can cause root rot, which can lead to wilting and yellowing of leaves. Ensure the soil is well-draining to prevent root rot.
Habitat
Plocama plants are native to the Canary Islands, Madeira, and the Azores. They grow in rocky, well-draining soils in sunny to partially shaded locations. Plocama plants can be found growing in coastal areas and rocky slopes.
Question and Answer
Q: Are Plocama plants easy to grow?
A: Yes, Plocama plants are easy to grow with moderate care and attention.
Q: Can Plocama plants tolerate cold temperatures?
A: No, Plocama plants are not frost-tolerant and should be protected from freezing temperatures.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Plocama plants?
A: Plocama plants require regular fertilization every two weeks during the growing season.
Q: Are Plocama plants drought-tolerant?
A: No, Plocama plants require moderate watering to grow healthy. Ensure the soil is moist, but not waterlogged.
Related Plants
- Rubia: A genus of flowering plants in the family Rubiaceae that is closely related to Plocama.
- Galium: A genus of flowering plants in the family Rubiaceae that is also closely related to Plocama.
References
- “Plocama pendula.” Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.
- “Plocama pendula.” Kew Science.
- “Plocama calabrica.” Kew Science.
