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Description
Podalyria Calyptrata, commonly known as the Cape Snow Pea or Kapokbossie, is a species of flowering plant in the Fabaceae family. It is native to the Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces of South Africa. This evergreen shrub can grow up to 1 metre tall and 1.5 metres wide. It has a spreading habit and a dense, bushy growth form. The plant produces small, pea-like flowers that are white or pink and bloom in spring and summer. The flowers are followed by flattened, brown pods that contain the seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Podalyria |
Appearance
The leaves of Podalyria Calyptrata are small, oval shaped, and a greyish-green color. They are arranged alternately on the stem and have a silvery sheen. The flowers grow in clusters at the end of the branches and are about 1 cm in diameter. They have a sweet fragrance and can be white, pink, or a combination of both. The pods that follow the flowers are flat and brown in color, and contain small seeds. The plant has a dense, bushy growth form and can be pruned to form a neat hedge or border.
Care Guide
Podalyria Calyptrata is a hardy plant that requires minimal maintenance. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. The plant should be watered regularly, especially during the summer months, and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Fertilize the plant once a year in spring with a balanced fertilizer. Podalyria Calyptrata prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. It is hardy to USDA zones 8-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Podalyria Calyptrata is generally pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. Spider mites and aphids can occasionally infest the plant, but this can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil spray.
Habitat
Podalyria Calyptrata is native to the Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces of South Africa. It grows in a variety of habitats, including fynbos, renosterveld, and coastal sand dunes. It is well adapted to the Mediterranean climate of the region, which is characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water Podalyria Calyptrata?
A: Water the plant regularly, especially during the summer months, and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Q: Can Podalyria Calyptrata tolerate partial shade?
A: Yes, the plant prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Podalyria Calyptrata?
A: Podalyria Calyptrata is hardy to USDA zones 8-10.
Q: What is the growth habit of Podalyria Calyptrata?
A: Podalyria Calyptrata has a spreading habit and a dense, bushy growth form.
Related Plants
- Podalyria Argentea
- Podalyria Sericea
- Podalyria Prostrate
References
- https://www.plantzafrica.com/plantnop/podalycalyp.htm
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/podalyria-calyptrata
- https://www.succulentsandsunshine.com/plants/podalyria-calyptrata/
