Contents
Description
Polycarpon Tetraphyllum, also known as Four-leaved Allseed, is a small, annual herbaceous plant that belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family. It is native to Europe and Asia and can grow up to 20 cm in height. This plant is commonly found in dry, sandy, and rocky habitats like waste grounds, roadsides, and cultivated fields. It has a unique growth pattern where it forms a mat-like carpet of small, succulent green leaves with tiny pink or white flowers that bloom from June to September.
Taxonomic Information
Domain | Eukaryota |
---|---|
Kingdom | Plantae |
Phylum | Spermatophyta |
Class | Magnoliopsida |
Order | Caryophyllales |
Family | Caryophyllaceae |
Genus | Polycarpon |
Appearance
Polycarpon Tetraphyllum has small, fleshy, and oval-shaped leaves that grow up to 1 cm long. The leaves are arranged opposite to each other and have four leaves per node. The stem of the plant is thin and green, with a slightly reddish tint. The flowers are tiny, only 2-3 mm in diameter, and have five petals that are either pink or white in color. The plant has a low-growing and mat-forming habit, with a spread of 10-30 cm.
Care Guide
Polycarpon Tetraphyllum is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips to help you grow and care for this plant:
- Water: This plant is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. Water it only when the soil is dry.
- Fertilization: This plant does not require fertilization. However, you can add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil if you want to encourage growth.
- Soil: This plant prefers well-draining soil that is sandy or loamy. It can also grow in poor, rocky soil.
- Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: This plant can grow in USDA hardiness zones 3-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Polycarpon Tetraphyllum is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by root rot if the soil is too wet. In addition, it may be vulnerable to damage from snails and slugs. To prevent these issues, make sure to plant this species in well-draining soil and remove any pests that you find manually.
Habitat
Polycarpon Tetraphyllum is native to Europe and Asia and is commonly found in dry, sandy, and rocky habitats. It can grow in waste grounds, roadsides, and cultivated fields. This plant is well-suited for xeriscaping and can be used in rock gardens or as ground cover in areas with poor soil quality.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Polycarpon Tetraphyllum a perennial or an annual plant?
A: Polycarpon Tetraphyllum is an annual plant.
Q: Can Polycarpon Tetraphyllum grow in poor soil?
A: Yes, Polycarpon Tetraphyllum can grow in poor, rocky soil.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Polycarpon Tetraphyllum?
A: Polycarpon Tetraphyllum can grow in USDA hardiness zones 3-9.
Q: Does Polycarpon Tetraphyllum require fertilization?
A: Polycarpon Tetraphyllum does not require fertilization, but you can add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil if you want to encourage growth.
Related Plants
- Polycarpon Prostratum
- Polycarpon Succulentum
- Polycarpon Tetraphyllum subsp. Asiaticum
- Polycarpon Tetraphyllum subsp. Tetraphyllum
References
- https://www.brc.ac.uk/plantatlas/plant/polycarpon-tetraphyllum
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/polycarpon-tetraphyllum-four-leaved-allseed
- https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/19732/Polycarpon-tetraphyllum/Details