Contents
Description
Stauranthera is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae, native to tropical America. The name Stauranthera comes from the Greek words stauros, meaning cross, and anthera, meaning anther, referring to the cross-shaped anthers found in the flowers of this genus. The plants are herbaceous perennials, growing up to 1.5 meters tall. They produce clusters of small flowers in shades of white, yellow, or orange.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Stauranthera |
Appearance
Stauranthera plants have a bushy growth habit and produce clusters of small flowers. The leaves are green and lance-shaped, growing up to 15 cm long. The flowers are small, growing up to 1 cm in diameter, and are typically white, yellow, or orange in color. The flowers have a distinctive cross-shaped anther in the center, which gives rise to the genus name.
Care Guide
Stauranthera plants are relatively easy to care for and can be grown in a variety of conditions. Here are some tips for caring for these plants:- Water: Stauranthera plants prefer consistently moist soil. Water them regularly, but be sure not to overwater them, as this can lead to root rot.- Fertilization: Feed Stauranthera plants with a balanced fertilizer every two to three weeks during the growing season.- Soil: These plants prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: Stauranthera plants prefer partial shade to full sun. In hotter climates, they may benefit from some protection from the afternoon sun.- Hardiness Zones: Stauranthera plants are hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Stauranthera plants are relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, they may be susceptible to some common garden pests, such as aphids and spider mites. These can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Stauranthera plants may also be susceptible to fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew, which can be prevented by ensuring good air circulation around the plants.
Habitat
Stauranthera plants are native to tropical America and can be found growing in a variety of habitats, including forests, meadows, and savannas. They prefer warm, humid conditions and thrive in areas with plenty of rainfall.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Stauranthera plants be grown indoors?
A: While Stauranthera plants can be grown indoors, they prefer to be grown outside in partial shade to full sun.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Stauranthera plants?
A: Feed your Stauranthera plants with a balanced fertilizer every two to three weeks during the growing season.
Q: Are Stauranthera plants drought-tolerant?
A: Stauranthera plants prefer consistently moist soil and may not tolerate extended periods of drought.
Q: Do Stauranthera plants attract pollinators?
A: Yes, Stauranthera plants are known to attract bees and butterflies.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants in the Asteraceae family:- Echinacea- Rudbeckia- Helianthus- Coreopsis- Gaillardia
References
– “Stauranthera” in The Plant List, Version 1.1. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.theplantlist.org/1.1/browse/A/Compositae/Stauranthera/- Stauranthera. (n.d.). In Flora of North America. Retrieved from http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=130591
