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Description
Rubia Linii, commonly known as Linnaean madder, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. It is native to the Caucasus region and can be found in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, and Turkey. The plant has been used for centuries to produce a red dye for textiles and is still cultivated for this purpose in some parts of the world. Rubia Linii has a long history of medicinal use as well, with some studies suggesting that it may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Rubiaceae |
| Genus | Rubia |
Appearance
Rubia Linii typically grows to a height of 20-50 cm and has a spreading habit. The plant produces small, greenish-yellow flowers in clusters that bloom from June to August. The leaves are ovate, dark green, and grow in whorls of four to six around the stem. The roots of the plant are long and slender, and are used to extract the red dye.
Care Guide
To grow Rubia Linii, it is important to provide it with the right conditions:- Water: The plant prefers moist soil, so it should be watered regularly. However, it is important not to overwater, as this can cause root rot.- Fertilization: Rubia Linii does not require much fertilizer, but a balanced fertilizer can be applied in the spring.- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining, loamy soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: Rubia Linii prefers partial shade to full sun. It can tolerate some shade, but too much can cause the plant to become spindly.- Hardiness Zones: Rubia Linii is hardy in USDA zones 6-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Rubia Linii is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Some pests that may affect the plant include spider mites and aphids. These can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Rubia Linii is native to the Caucasus region, where it grows in rocky and mountainous areas. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate some drought.
Question and Answer
Q: What is Rubia Linii used for?
A: Rubia Linii is primarily used to produce a red dye for textiles, but it also has a long history of medicinal use.
Q: Can Rubia Linii be grown indoors?
A: Rubia Linii prefers to be grown outdoors in partial shade to full sun.
Q: How often should Rubia Linii be watered?
A: Rubia Linii prefers moist soil, so it should be watered regularly. However, it is important not to overwater, as this can cause root rot.
Q: Is Rubia Linii toxic to pets?
A: There is no evidence that Rubia Linii is toxic to pets.
Related Plants
– Rubia cordifolia- Rubia tinctorum- Rubia peregrina- Rubia chamissonis- Galium odoratum
References
– “Rubia Linii.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=290046- “Rubia Linii.” Plants of the World Online. http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:757692-1- “Rubia Linii.” Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. https://www.rbge.org.uk/Plants/27605/Rubia-Linii
