Contents
Description
Sphenodesme Mollis, also known as Soft-Leafed Sphenodesme, is a shrub that belongs to the family Lamiaceae. It is native to Southeast Asia and can be found in countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. The plant can grow up to 5 meters in height and has soft, pubescent leaves that are green in color. Its flowers are small and white or pink in color and bloom in clusters. Sphenodesme Mollis is commonly used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.
Taxonomy
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Phylum: | Angiosperms |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Genus: | Sphenodesme |
Appearance
Sphenodesme Mollis has soft, pubescent leaves that are green in color and can grow up to 25 cm in length. Its flowers are small and white or pink in color and bloom in clusters. The plant can grow up to 5 meters in height and has a woody stem. Its bark is grayish-brown in color and has a rough texture. Sphenodesme Mollis has a dense foliage and can be pruned to maintain a desired shape.
Care Guide
Water: Sphenodesme Mollis requires moderate watering. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can cause root rot.
Fertilization: The plant should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Fertilizer should be applied every two weeks.
Soil: Sphenodesme Mollis prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full sunlight. It should be protected from direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day.
Hardiness Zones: Sphenodesme Mollis can be grown in USDA Zones 10-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Sphenodesme Mollis is susceptible to whiteflies, spider mites, and mealybugs. It can also be affected by root rot if overwatered. To prevent pests, the plant should be regularly inspected and treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Overwatering should be avoided to prevent root rot.
Habitat
Sphenodesme Mollis is native to Southeast Asia and can be found in countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. It grows in tropical rainforests, usually at an altitude of 500-1500 meters above sea level. The plant prefers well-drained soil and partial shade to full sunlight.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Sphenodesme Mollis be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Sphenodesme Mollis can be grown indoors as long as it receives adequate sunlight and is watered properly.
Q: Does Sphenodesme Mollis have any medicinal properties?
A: Yes, Sphenodesme Mollis is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as fever and headache.
Q: How often should Sphenodesme Mollis be pruned?
A: Sphenodesme Mollis should be pruned once a year, preferably during the dormant season.
Q: Can Sphenodesme Mollis be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, Sphenodesme Mollis can be propagated from stem cuttings.
Related Plants
- Sphenodesme involucrata
- Sphenodesme pentandra
- Sphenodesme tenuiflora
- Sphenodesme trinervia
References
- “Sphenodesme Mollis (Wall. ex Benth.) Benth.”. Tropical Plants Database.
- “Sphenodesme Mollis”. Floridata.
- “Sphenodesme Mollis”. Plant Resources of South-East Asia.
