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Description
Smelowskia Tibetica is a perennial plant native to the Himalayas. It is also commonly known as Tibetan Mustard or Himalayan Cabbage. The plant is characterized by its delicate yet hardy nature, making it a favorite among garden enthusiasts. It belongs to the Brassicaceae family and is known for its tiny, yellow flowers that bloom from June to August.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Genus | Smelowskia |
Appearance
Smelowskia Tibetica is a small plant that grows up to 30 cm tall. It has a rosette of leaves at the base and a single stem that bears small, yellow flowers. The leaves are ovate, toothed, and have a waxy texture. The flowers are arranged in a raceme and have four petals that form a cross shape. The plant blooms from June to August and produces small, oblong, and seed pods. The plant has a delicate beauty that belies its hardiness.
Care Guide
Smelowskia Tibetica is a hardy plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips to ensure that your plant thrives:
Water: Smelowskia Tibetica prefers well-drained soil that is moist but not wet. Water the plant regularly, but do not allow it to sit in water.
Fertilization: Smelowskia Tibetica does not require much fertilization. A light application of balanced fertilizer in the spring should suffice.
Soil: Smelowskia Tibetica prefers well-drained, loamy soil that is rich in organic matter.
Sunlight: Smelowskia Tibetica prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but will not flower as well.
Hardiness Zones: Smelowskia Tibetica is hardy to USDA zones 5 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Smelowskia Tibetica is generally pest and disease-free. However, it may be susceptible to aphids, slugs, and snails. These pests can be controlled using insecticidal soap or by handpicking. The plant may also be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, which can be prevented by providing good air circulation and avoiding overwatering.
Habitat
Smelowskia Tibetica is native to the Himalayas, where it grows in rocky, alpine meadows and slopes. It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate cold temperatures and high altitudes.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Smelowskia Tibetica a good plant for beginner gardeners?
A: Yes, Smelowskia Tibetica is a hardy plant that is easy to care for, making it a good choice for beginner gardeners.
Q: Can Smelowskia Tibetica be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Smelowskia Tibetica can be grown in containers as long as the container is well-drained and the plant is provided with adequate sunlight and water.
Q: How often should Smelowskia Tibetica be fertilized?
A: Smelowskia Tibetica does not require much fertilization. A light application of balanced fertilizer in the spring should suffice.
Q: Does Smelowskia Tibetica attract bees and butterflies?
A: Yes, Smelowskia Tibetica is a good plant for attracting bees and butterflies to your garden.
Related Plants
Here are some plants that are related to Smelowskia Tibetica:
- Brassica rapa
- Brassica oleracea
- Arabis alpina
- Draba
References
- “Smelowskia tibetica.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 16, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=293330.
- “Smelowskia tibetica.” PlantZAfrica. Accessed August 16, 2021. https://pza.sanbi.org/smelowskia-tibetica.
- “Smelowskia tibetica.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed August 16, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/24836/Smelowskia-tibetica/Details.
