Contents
Description
Sphaerolobium is a genus of flowering plants in the family Fabaceae. It comprises around 30 species that are native to Australia. The name Sphaerolobium is derived from the Greek words “sphaira” meaning sphere and “lobos” meaning pod, referring to the spherical shape of its seed pods.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Sphaerolobium |
Appearance
Sphaerolobium plants are herbaceous perennials or shrubs that can grow up to 2 meters tall. They have small, bright green leaves that are made up of three leaflets. The flowers are usually red, orange, or yellow and are arranged in clusters at the end of the stems. The fruit is a spherical pod that contains several seeds.
Care Guide
Sphaerolobium plants require well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. They prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Water them regularly during the growing season, but make sure the soil is not waterlogged. Fertilize them with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. They are hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Sphaerolobium plants are susceptible to root rot, which can be caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil. They can also be affected by spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control these pests.
Habitat
Sphaerolobium plants are native to Australia and are found in a variety of habitats, including heathlands, woodlands, and forests. They are adapted to dry, sandy soils and can tolerate drought conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Sphaerolobium plant?
A: Water them regularly during the growing season, but make sure the soil is not waterlogged.
Q: What is the ideal pH level for Sphaerolobium plants?
A: The ideal pH level for Sphaerolobium plants is 6.0 to 7.5.
Q: What kind of fertilizer should I use for my Sphaerolobium plant?
A: Use a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.
Q: What are the common pests and diseases of Sphaerolobium plants?
A: Sphaerolobium plants are susceptible to root rot, spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies.
Related Plants
- Sphaerolobium drummondii
- Sphaerolobium burchellii
- Sphaerolobium stipulatum
- Sphaerolobium vimineum
References
- “Sphaerolobium.” Australian Plant Name Index (APNI). Retrieved from https://biodiversity.org.au/nsl/services/search/apni.jsp
- “Sphaerolobium.” Plants of the World Online. Retrieved from http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30009083-2
- “Sphaerolobium.” Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Retrieved from https://www.rbge.org.uk/plant-search-results/?keyword=Sphaerolobium
