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Description
Silene Baccifera, also known as the cushion pink, is a plant species that belongs to the family Caryophyllaceae. It is native to the mountains of Central and South Asia, including the Himalayas, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush ranges. The plant grows up to 10 cm tall and forms a cushion-like shape that can spread up to 50 cm in diameter. It produces pink or white flowers that bloom from June to August. The plant is also known for its edible berries.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Caryophyllaceae |
| Genus | Silene |
| Species | Silene baccifera |
Appearance
Silene Baccifera is a small, cushion-like plant that grows up to 10 cm tall and spreads up to 50 cm in diameter. It has small, lance-shaped leaves that are green in color. The plant produces pink or white flowers that bloom from June to August. The flowers have five petals that are deeply notched, giving the appearance of ten petals. The plant also produces small, red berries that are edible.
Care Guide
Silene Baccifera 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 can tolerate dry conditions. Water the plant sparingly, about once a week.- Fertilization: The plant does not require fertilization, but you can use a general-purpose fertilizer once a month during the growing season.- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining, sandy soil. You can add perlite or sand to improve drainage.- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: The plant can tolerate temperatures down to -20°C and is suitable for hardiness zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Silene Baccifera is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by the following:- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the plant and cause it to wilt. You can control aphids by spraying the plant with a solution of water and soap.- Root rot: This disease is caused by overwatering or poorly drained soil. To prevent root rot, ensure that the soil is well-draining and water the plant sparingly.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves. You can control powdery mildew by spraying the plant with a solution of water and baking soda.
Habitat
Silene Baccifera is native to the mountains of Central and South Asia, including the Himalayas, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush ranges. It grows in alpine meadows, rocky slopes, and crevices at elevations of 3000-5000 meters.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Silene Baccifera a perennial plant?
A: Yes, Silene Baccifera is a perennial plant.
Q: Can you eat the berries of Silene Baccifera?
A: Yes, the berries of Silene Baccifera are edible.
Q: How often should you water Silene Baccifera?
A: Water Silene Baccifera sparingly, about once a week.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Silene Baccifera?
A: Silene Baccifera is suitable for hardiness zones 5-9.
Related Plants
– Silene vulgaris (Bladder Campion)- Silene armeria (Sweet William Catchfly)- Silene dioica (Red Campion)
References
– “Silene baccifera” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science. http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:157204-1- “Silene baccifera” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d371
