Streptosolen

Description

Streptosolen is a genus that belongs to the Solanaceae family, and it consists of only one species: Streptosolen jamesonii. It is commonly known as the Marmalade Bush or Browallia-leaved Streptosolen. This plant is native to the Andean region of South America, particularly in Colombia and Ecuador.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

The Streptosolen plant is a beautiful, evergreen shrub that can grow up to 12 feet tall and wide. Its leaves are oval-shaped, dark green, and arranged alternately on the stems. The flowers are the main attraction of this plant, and they are borne in clusters at the end of the branches. Each flower has five petals and a bright orange-yellow color that fades to reddish-orange as it ages.

Care Guide

The Streptosolen plant is relatively easy to care for, but it requires the right conditions to thrive. Here are some tips:

• Water: The plant needs to be watered regularly, especially during the growing season. Make sure the soil is moist, but not waterlogged.
• Fertilization: Feed the plant with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring and summer.
• Soil: The plant prefers well-draining, slightly acidic soil. If your soil is alkaline, you can add some peat moss or sulfur to lower the pH level.
• Sunlight: The plant needs full sun to partial shade. In hotter climates, it prefers some afternoon shade to protect it from the scorching sun.
• Hardiness Zones: Streptosolen is hardy in zones 9-11, but it can also be grown as an annual in colder climates.

Common Pests & Diseases

The Streptosolen plant is generally healthy and resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies. To prevent infestations, inspect the plant regularly and use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the pests.

Habitat

The Streptosolen plant is native to the Andean region of South America, where it grows in the mountains at elevations between 6,000 and 10,000 feet. It prefers cool temperatures and high humidity, but it can also tolerate some drought and heat.

Question and Answer

Q: Can the Streptosolen plant be grown in containers?

A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate its size. Use a well-draining potting mix and make sure the container has drainage holes.

Q: How often should I prune my Streptosolen plant?

A: You can prune the plant in late winter or early spring to control its size and shape. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches, and cut back the tips of the remaining branches to promote bushiness.

Q: Can I propagate my Streptosolen plant from cuttings?

A: Yes, the plant can be propagated from softwood cuttings taken in spring or summer. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and place the cuttings in a bright, warm spot until they root.

Q: Does the Streptosolen plant attract pollinators?

A: Yes, the plant attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with its bright flowers.

Related Plants

• Browallia
• Petunia
• Calibrachoa
• Nicotiana

References

• “Streptosolen jamesonii.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 7 Sept. 2021. <http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=278818&isprofile=0&=&returnUrl=%2fPlantFinder.aspx%3fadv%3d0%26amp%3bstd%3d1%26amp%3bcult%3dStreptosolen%26amp%3bname%3dStreptosolen%26amp%3bplanttypeid%3d-1%26amp%3bcategory%3d%26amp%3bheight%3d0-0%26amp%3bsun%3dfilter%2520sun%26amp%3bmoist%3d%26amp%3bstate%3d%26amp%3bzipcode%3d%26amp%3bgp%3dfalse%26amp%3bgrp%3dfalse%26amp%3bstartrow%3d1%26amp%3bsort%3d”>
• “Streptosolen jamesonii.” Floridata. Accessed 7 Sept. 2021. <https://floridata.com/Plants/Solanaceae/Streptosolen+jamesonii/1080>
• “Streptosolen jamesonii.” Plant Care Today. Accessed 7 Sept. 2021. <https://plantcaretoday.com/streptosolen-jamesonii.html>