Saussurea Salsa
Contents
Description
Saussurea Salsa, also known as the Chinese saw-wort, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to China, specifically in the provinces of Gansu, Qinghai, Sichuan, Tibet, and Yunnan. The plant grows up to a height of 50-100 cm and has a stem that is covered with small hairs. The leaves are basal and form a rosette at the base of the stem, while the flowers are arranged in a corymb and have a light purple to pinkish color.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Saussurea |
Appearance
The Saussurea Salsa plant has a unique appearance that makes it stand out from other plants. The stem is covered with small hairs that give it a rough texture, while the leaves form a rosette at the base of the stem. The flowers are arranged in a corymb and have a light purple to pinkish color. The plant grows up to a height of 50-100 cm and can spread up to 30 cm wide. The leaves are up to 15 cm long and 5 cm wide, while the flowers have a diameter of 2-3 cm.
Care Guide
Saussurea Salsa is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:- Water: The plant prefers well-draining soil and requires moderate watering. Avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot.- Fertilization: Use a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy growth and blooming.- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A pH of 6.5-7.5 is ideal.- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but may not bloom as much.- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy to USDA zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Saussurea Salsa is generally free from major pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot. To prevent these diseases, avoid overwatering and provide good air circulation around the plant. Pests such as aphids and spider mites may also infest the plant, but they can be easily controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Saussurea Salsa is native to China and can be found in the provinces of Gansu, Qinghai, Sichuan, Tibet, and Yunnan. The plant grows in alpine meadows and slopes at elevations of 3,000-4,500 meters above sea level. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate cold temperatures.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Saussurea Salsa a medicinal plant?
A: Yes, Saussurea Salsa has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various ailments such as headaches, fever, and inflammation.
Q: Can Saussurea Salsa be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Saussurea Salsa can be grown in containers as long as the container has good drainage and the plant receives enough sunlight.
Q: How often should Saussurea Salsa be fertilized?
A: Saussurea Salsa should be fertilized once a month during the growing season with a slow-release fertilizer.
Q: Can Saussurea Salsa survive in hot and humid climates?
A: Saussurea Salsa prefers cooler temperatures and may not survive in hot and humid climates.
Related Plants
– Saussurea involucrata- Saussurea medusa- Saussurea gossypiphora- Saussurea porcii
References
– “Saussurea salsa.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 8, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c703.- “Saussurea salsa.” Plants of the World Online. Accessed September 8, 2021. http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:246282-1.
