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Description
Rotheca Myricoides Ugandense is a small shrub native to Uganda that belongs to the Acanthaceae family. It is also known as the Blue Butterfly Bush, and it can grow up to 6 feet tall in ideal conditions. This plant has beautiful blue-purple flowers that appear in clusters, and they bloom from spring to fall. The foliage is dark green and glossy, and the leaves are lance-shaped and about 3 inches long. The plant produces small fruits that are not edible.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Acanthaceae |
| Genus | Rotheca |
| Species | Myricoides Ugandense |
Appearance
Rotheca Myricoides Ugandense has a dense and bushy growth habit, and it can grow up to 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide. The leaves are dark green and glossy, and they are arranged in an opposite pattern along the stem. The flowers are trumpet-shaped and bloom in clusters at the end of the stems. They are blue-purple in color and about 1 inch long. The plant produces small fruits that are not edible.
Care Guide
Rotheca Myricoides Ugandense is a relatively low-maintenance plant that can tolerate a wide range of conditions. Here are some care tips:
- Water: Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely between waterings.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant every 2-3 months with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
- Soil: Plant the shrub in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
- Sunlight: Rotheca Myricoides Ugandense prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can cause the plant to become leggy and produce fewer flowers.
- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11, but it can also be grown as an indoor plant in cooler climates.
Common Pests & Diseases
Rotheca Myricoides Ugandense is relatively pest-resistant, but it can be affected by aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant can also be susceptible to root rot if it is overwatered or planted in poorly draining soil.
Habitat
Rotheca Myricoides Ugandense is native to Uganda and can be found growing in open woodlands and grasslands. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Rotheca Myricoides Ugandense be grown indoors?
A: Yes, it can be grown as an indoor plant in cooler climates.
Q: Does this plant attract butterflies?
A: Yes, the Blue Butterfly Bush attracts butterflies and other pollinators.
Q: Is this plant toxic to pets?
A: There is no evidence that Rotheca Myricoides Ugandense is toxic to pets, but it is always a good idea to keep pets away from plants.
Q: How often should I prune this plant?
A: Prune the plant in early spring to promote bushier growth and more flowers. You can also prune it throughout the growing season to control its size and shape.
Related Plants
- Rotheca Myricoides
- Rotheca Myricoides ‘Ugandense Alba’
- Rotheca Myricoides ‘Ugandense Purple’
- Rotheca Myricoides ‘Ugandense White’
References
- “Rotheca myricoides.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/plantfinder/plantfindersearch.aspx?taxonid=271053&isprofile=0&. Accessed 20 June 2021.
- “Plant Database.” University of Connecticut, plantdatabase.uconn.edu/detail.php?pid=501. Accessed 20 June 2021.
- “Rotheca myricoides Ugandense.” PlantZAfrica, pza.sanbi.org/rotheca-myricoides-ugandense/. Accessed 20 June 2021.
