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Description
Pterygiella Tenuisecta, also known as the Fern Leaf Desert-Thorn, is a small, perennial plant that belongs to the Zygophyllaceae family. It is native to the Sonoran Desert, which stretches across parts of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. This plant typically grows up to 18 inches tall and 24 inches wide.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Zygophyllales |
| Family | Zygophyllaceae |
| Genus | Pterygiella |
Appearance
The Fern Leaf Desert-Thorn has thin, wiry stems that are covered in small, delicate leaves. The leaves are fern-like and feathery, with finely divided segments that give the plant a delicate appearance. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, with five petals that are white or pale yellow in color. The fruit is a small, dry capsule that splits open when mature to release the seeds.
Care Guide
To care for Pterygiella Tenuisecta, follow these guidelines:
Water: This plant prefers well-draining soil and should be watered deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Fertilization: Fertilize sparingly during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Soil: This plant prefers a well-draining soil mix that is slightly acidic to neutral in pH.
Sunlight: Pterygiella Tenuisecta prefers full sun exposure, but can tolerate some light shade.
Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Pterygiella Tenuisecta is generally disease-resistant and pest-free, but may be susceptible to root rot if overwatered.
Habitat
Pterygiella Tenuisecta is native to the Sonoran Desert, where it grows in sandy or gravelly soils in areas that receive full sun exposure. It is well adapted to the hot, dry conditions of the desert, and can tolerate periods of drought.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Pterygiella Tenuisecta be grown indoors?
A: While it is possible to grow this plant indoors, it prefers full sun exposure and may not thrive in low-light conditions.
Q: How often should Pterygiella Tenuisecta be fertilized?
A: Fertilize this plant sparingly during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: What is the hardiness zone range for Pterygiella Tenuisecta?
A: This plant is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.
Q: What is the typical size of a mature Pterygiella Tenuisecta plant?
A: This plant typically grows up to 18 inches tall and 24 inches wide.
Related Plants
- Pterygiella Neglecta
- Pterygiella Williamsonii
- Pterygiella Cassinioides
References
- “Pterygiella Tenuisecta.” Arizona State University. https://www.desertmuseum.org/pdfs/botany_pdfs/pterygiella_tenuisecta.pdf
- “Pterygiella Tenuisecta.” Calflora. https://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-calrecnum=12912
- “Pterygiella Tenuisecta.” USDA Plants Database. https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=PTTE
