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Description
Raoulia Hookeri Var. Albosericea, commonly known as the Fuzzy Cushion Plant, is a low-growing, mat-forming plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to New Zealand, where it grows in alpine or subalpine environments. The plant is known for its soft, silver-gray foliage that creates a beautiful, fuzzy cushion-like appearance. It produces small, yellow flowers that bloom in late spring or early summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Raoulia |
Appearance
The Fuzzy Cushion Plant forms a tight mat that can grow up to 10cm tall and 50cm wide. Its leaves are small, round, and densely covered in silver-gray hairs that give the plant its fuzzy appearance. The hairs help protect the plant from the harsh alpine environment by trapping moisture and insulating the plant from the cold. The plant produces small yellow flowers that are less than 1cm in diameter.
Care Guide
The Fuzzy Cushion Plant is relatively easy to care for, but it does require specific growing conditions to thrive.
Water
The plant prefers well-draining soil and does not like to sit in water. Watering should be done sparingly, ensuring the soil is not too wet or too dry. In its natural habitat, the plant relies on snowmelt for its water needs.
Fertilization
The Fuzzy Cushion Plant does not require fertilization.
Soil
The plant prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5.
Sunlight
The plant prefers full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness Zones
The Fuzzy Cushion Plant is hardy to USDA zones 5 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Fuzzy Cushion Plant is relatively pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered.
Habitat
The Fuzzy Cushion Plant is native to New Zealand, where it grows in alpine or subalpine environments. It can be found growing in rocky, well-draining soil high in the mountains.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Fuzzy Cushion Plant tolerate frost?
A: Yes, the plant is hardy to USDA zones 5 to 8, which means it can tolerate frost and cold temperatures.
Q: Can the Fuzzy Cushion Plant grow indoors?
A: The plant is not suitable for indoor growing as it requires specific growing conditions that are difficult to replicate indoors.
Q: How often should I water the Fuzzy Cushion Plant?
A: Watering should be done sparingly, ensuring the soil is not too wet or too dry. In its natural habitat, the plant relies on snowmelt for its water needs.
Q: Does the Fuzzy Cushion Plant attract bees?
A: Yes, the plant produces small yellow flowers that attract bees and other pollinators.
Related Plants
- Raoulia Monroi
- Raoulia Glabra
- Raoulia Tenuicaulis
- Raoulia Hookeri
References
- “Raoulia Hookeri.” New Zealand Plant Conservation Network. https://www.nzpcn.org.nz/flora/species/raoulia-hookeri/
- “Raoulia Hookeri Var. Albosericea.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=292888&isprofile=0&
- “Raoulia Hookeri.” Royal Horticultural Society. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/264378/raoulia-hookeri/details
