Sutera Foetida

Description

Sutera Foetida, also known as Stinking Bishop, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Apocynaceae family. It is native to South Africa, where it grows as a perennial in moist grasslands and open forests. The plant produces small, white, star-shaped flowers that have a sweet fragrance during the day but emit a foul odor at night, hence the name Stinking Bishop.

Taxonomic Information

Domain	Eukaryota
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Tracheophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Gentianales
Family	Apocynaceae
Genus	Sutera

Appearance

Sutera Foetida grows up to 30cm tall and 50cm wide. The plant has slender stems that are covered in small, ovate leaves that are dark green in color. The flowers are small, white, and have five petals that form a star shape. They bloom in clusters from spring to fall and are about 1cm in diameter. The plant produces a milky sap when cut or broken.

Care Guide

Sutera Foetida is an easy plant to care for, and it requires minimal maintenance. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:

• Water: Water the plant when the soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, as this can cause the roots to rot.
• Fertilization: Fertilize once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
• Soil: Use well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
• Sunlight: Sutera Foetida prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates.
• Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.

Common Pests & Diseases

Sutera Foetida is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Here are some common pests and diseases that may affect this plant:

• Whiteflies: These are small, white insects that suck sap from the plant, causing yellowing and wilting of leaves. Use insecticidal soap to get rid of them.
• Spider mites: These are tiny, red or brown insects that spin webs on the plant. They cause yellowing and wilting of leaves. Use insecticidal soap to get rid of them.
• Root rot: This is caused by overwatering, which leads to fungal growth on the roots. To prevent this, ensure that the soil is well-draining and that the plant is not overwatered.

Habitat

Sutera Foetida is native to South Africa, where it grows in moist grasslands and open forests. It prefers well-draining soil and partial shade. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11 and can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F (-7°C).

Question and Answer

Q: Is Sutera Foetida a fragrant plant?

A: Yes, it produces small, white, star-shaped flowers that have a sweet fragrance during the day.

Q: How often should I fertilize Sutera Foetida?

A: Fertilize once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.

Q: Can Sutera Foetida tolerate full sun?

A: Sutera Foetida prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates.

Q: What is the hardiness zone for Sutera Foetida?

A: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.

Related Plants

• Sutera cordata
• Sutera grandiflora
• Sutera hirsuta
• Sutera pilosa

References

• “Sutera Foetida.” PlantZAfrica, National Botanical Institute, www.plantzafrica.com/plantqrs/suterafoetida.htm.
• “Sutera Foetida.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287305.
• “Sutera Foetida.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/plants/14087/sutera-foetida/details.