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Description
Poa Astonii is a perennial grass species native to New Zealand. It is a unique species of Poa, with narrow leaves and an upright growth habit. The plant can grow up to 1 metre tall and produces flower panicles that are 20-30 cm long. Poa Astonii is known for its ability to tolerate wetter soils and is often found growing in damp areas such as swamps, bogs, and lowland forests.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Phylum: | Spermatophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Poales |
| Family: | Poaceae |
| Genus: | Poa |
Appearance
Poa Astonii has narrow, flat leaves that are around 2-5 mm wide and 10-30 cm long. The leaves are a bright green color and have a glossy appearance. The plant produces flower panicles that can be up to 30 cm long and are made up of many small spikelets. The panicles are initially green but turn a golden brown color as they mature. Poa Astonii has an upright growth habit and can grow up to 1 metre tall.
Care Guide
Poa Astonii is a relatively low maintenance plant, but it does require some care to thrive. Here are some tips for caring for Poa Astonii:
- Water: Poa Astonii prefers consistently moist soil, so it is important to water it regularly, especially during dry periods.
- Fertilization: Fertilizer is not usually necessary for Poa Astonii, as it can obtain the necessary nutrients from the soil. However, if the plant is growing in poor soil, a general-purpose fertilizer can be applied in the spring.
- Soil: Poa Astonii prefers moist, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant can tolerate slightly acidic to neutral soils.
- Sunlight: Poa Astonii can grow in both full sun and partial shade, but it prefers a partially shaded location.
- Hardiness Zones: Poa Astonii is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Poa Astonii is generally a disease-free plant, but it can be susceptible to a few pests and diseases:
- Slugs and Snails: These pests can damage the leaves and stems of Poa Astonii. They can be controlled by removing them by hand or using slug bait.
- Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that can cause yellow or orange spots on the leaves of Poa Astonii. It can be treated with a fungicide.
- Crown Rot: Crown rot is a fungal disease that can cause the plant to wilt and die. It can be prevented by ensuring the plant is not overwatered and by planting it in well-draining soil.
Habitat
Poa Astonii is native to New Zealand and is found in a variety of habitats, including swamps, bogs, and lowland forests. It prefers moist soils and can tolerate wetter conditions than many other Poa species.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Poa Astonii be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Poa Astonii can be grown in containers, but it requires consistently moist soil and may need more frequent watering than if grown in the ground.
Q: Is Poa Astonii a good choice for erosion control?
A: Yes, Poa Astonii can be used for erosion control, as it has a fibrous root system that helps to stabilize soil.
Q: Can Poa Astonii tolerate drought?
A: No, Poa Astonii prefers consistently moist soil and is not drought-tolerant.
Q: Does Poa Astonii require pruning?
A: No, Poa Astonii does not require pruning, but removing any dead or damaged leaves can help to improve its appearance.
Related Plants
- Poa Annua
- Poa Bulbosa
- Poa Labillardieri
- Poa Sylvestris
References
- “Poa Astonii.” New Zealand Plant Conservation Network. http://nzpcn.org.nz/flora/species/poa-astonii/
- “Poa Astonii.” Royal Horticultural Society. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/222459/Poa-astonii/Details
- “Poa Astonii.” The Plant List. http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/kew-436891
