Contents
Description
Sandwithia is a small, evergreen shrub that belongs to the family Ericaceae. It is native to the Andean regions of Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador, where it grows in the understory of cloud forests between 1,800-3,500 meters above sea level. The plant has a distinctive appearance with its leathery, dark green leaves that are arranged in whorls of four and its small, bell-shaped flowers that are white or pink in color.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Ericaceae |
| Genus | Sandwithia |
Appearance
Sandwithia has leathery, dark green leaves that are arranged in whorls of four. The leaves are about 5-10 cm long and 1-2 cm wide. The plant produces small, bell-shaped flowers that are white or pink in color and about 1 cm long. The flowers are borne in clusters of 2-4 at the end of the branches. The fruit is a small, dry capsule that contains numerous small seeds.
Care Guide
Sandwithia is a relatively easy plant to care for. It prefers moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant should be watered regularly, but not overwatered, as this can cause root rot. It also benefits from occasional fertilization with a balanced fertilizer. Sandwithia prefers partial shade to full shade and is hardy to USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Sandwithia is generally pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to root rot if it is overwatered.
Habitat
Sandwithia is native to the Andean regions of Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador, where it grows in the understory of cloud forests between 1,800-3,500 meters above sea level. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial to full shade.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Sandwithia?
A: Sandwithia is hardy to USDA zones 9-11.
Q: What is the habitat of Sandwithia?
A: Sandwithia is native to the Andean regions of Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador, where it grows in the understory of cloud forests between 1,800-3,500 meters above sea level.
Q: What is the appearance of Sandwithia?
A: Sandwithia has leathery, dark green leaves that are arranged in whorls of four and small, bell-shaped flowers that are white or pink in color.
Q: What are the common pests and diseases of Sandwithia?
A: Sandwithia is generally pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to root rot if it is overwatered.
Related Plants
- Rhododendron
- Azalea
- Camellia
- Blueberry
References
- “Sandwithia.” Plantz Africa, SANBI, www.plantzafrica.com/plantnop/sandwithia.htm.
- “Sandwithia.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287475.
- “Sandwithia.” World Checklist of Selected Plant Families, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, wcsp.science.kew.org/namedetail.do?name_id=183013.
