Contents
Description
Pollia is a small genus of flowering plants in the family Melastomataceae, native to tropical Africa. It is a unique plant, known for its striking blue fruit, which is produced in clusters along the stem. The fruit of Pollia is not only beautiful but also functional. It has been found to have the highest level of structural coloration in the plant kingdom, meaning that its color is not due to pigments but to the physical structure of the fruit’s cells.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Myrtales |
| Family | Melastomataceae |
| Genus | Pollia |
Appearance
Pollia plants are small, herbaceous perennials that grow up to 30 cm tall. They have simple, ovate leaves that are green in color and up to 10 cm long. The flowers of Pollia are small, pink or white, and are arranged in clusters at the tips of the stems. The most distinctive feature of Pollia is its fruit, which is a small, round berry that is blue in color. The fruit is produced in clusters along the stem and is about 5-6 mm in diameter. The blue color of the fruit is due to the physical structure of the cells, which reflect blue light.
Care Guide
Pollia plants are easy to care for and require minimal maintenance. Here are some tips to help you care for your Pollia:
- Water: Pollia prefers moist soil but can tolerate short periods of drought. Water your Pollia regularly, but do not overwater it.
- Fertilization: Pollia does not require frequent fertilization. You can fertilize it once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: Pollia prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Use a good-quality potting mix when planting your Pollia.
- Sunlight: Pollia prefers bright, indirect sunlight. It can tolerate some shade but will not grow well in full shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Pollia is not a cold-hardy plant and is best grown in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Pollia is generally a healthy plant that is not susceptible to many pests or diseases. However, here are some common issues that you may encounter:
- Aphids: Aphids can infest Pollia plants, causing distorted growth and yellowing leaves. You can control aphids by spraying your plant with insecticidal soap.
- Mealybugs: Mealybugs can also infest Pollia plants, causing stunted growth and yellowing leaves. You can control mealybugs by wiping your plant with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
- Root rot: Overwatering can cause root rot in Pollia plants. To prevent root rot, make sure to water your plant only when the soil is dry to the touch.
Habitat
Pollia is native to tropical Africa and can be found in the understory of forests and in open grasslands. It prefers moist, well-draining soil and bright, indirect sunlight. Pollia is not a cold-hardy plant and is best grown in warm, humid climates.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Pollia be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Pollia can be grown indoors as long as it is given bright, indirect sunlight and moist soil.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Pollia?
A: You can fertilize your Pollia once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: What is the significance of the blue color of Pollia’s fruit?
A: The blue color of Pollia’s fruit is due to the physical structure of the cells, which reflect blue light. It is the highest level of structural coloration in the plant kingdom.
Q: Is Pollia a rare plant?
A: Pollia is not a commonly cultivated plant but is not considered rare.
Related Plants
- Medinilla
- Memecylon
- Osbeckia
- Rhexia
References
- Flora of Tropical East Africa. 1952. Retrieved from https://plants.jstor.org/
- Manetas, Y. (2003). The highest diversity of quasiregular structures on plants. Journal of Experimental Botany, 54(383), 2241-2247. doi:10.1093/jxb/erg244
- Pollia. (n.d.). In PlantList. Retrieved from http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/search?q=pollia
