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Description
Tanakaea Radicans, also known as the ‘Chatham Island Forget-Me-Not,’ is a rare and unique flowering plant that belongs to the family of Boraginaceae. It is an endemic species of the Chatham Islands, located in the east of New Zealand. This plant is highly valued for its striking and eye-catching blue flowers. The Tanakaea Radicans plant is an herbaceous perennial, which means it grows back every year from its roots. It has a long flowering period that lasts from November to February, and it can grow up to 50 cm tall.
Taxonomic Information
Here is the taxonomic information of Tanakaea Radicans in table form:
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Boraginales |
| Family | Boraginaceae |
| Genus | Tanakaea |
| Species | Tanakaea Radicans |
Appearance
The Tanakaea Radicans plant has a unique and striking appearance that makes it stand out from other plants. Its leaves are glossy, dark green, and heart-shaped, and they grow around the stem in a rosette pattern. The flowers of the plant are its most distinctive feature, with a bright blue color and a yellow center. The flowers grow in clusters on long stems that rise above the foliage. The petals of the flowers are delicate and slightly curled, giving them a soft and ethereal quality. The plant’s overall appearance is delicate and graceful, making it a popular choice for gardens and landscaping.
Care Guide
Taking care of Tanakaea Radicans is relatively easy, but it does require some specific conditions to thrive. Here is a detailed care guide for this unique plant.Water: The Tanakaea Radicans plant needs to be kept moist but not waterlogged. It is best to water it when the soil is dry to the touch, but avoid letting the soil dry out completely. Water the plant deeply, but make sure the water drains away quickly to prevent root rot.Fertilization: This plant does not require much fertilizer, but a balanced fertilizer can be applied during the growing season to encourage growth and flowering.Soil: The Tanakaea Radicans plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can grow in a variety of soil types, but it does best in slightly acidic soil.Sunlight: This plant prefers partial shade or dappled sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day. It can tolerate full sun but may require extra watering.Hardiness Zones: Tanakaea Radicans is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Tanakaea Radicans plant is relatively pest and disease-resistant, but it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. Here are some common pests and diseases that can affect this plant:Slugs and snails: These pests can cause damage to the foliage and flowers of the plant. Use slug and snail bait to control them.Root rot: This disease can occur if the soil is too wet. To prevent root rot, make sure the soil has good drainage and avoid overwatering.
Habitat
The Tanakaea Radicans plant is an endemic species of the Chatham Islands, located in the east of New Zealand. It grows in coastal areas, on rocky outcrops, and along stream banks. The plant prefers well-draining soil and partial shade, making it well-suited to its coastal habitat.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Tanakaea Radicans grow in full sun?
A: Yes, it can tolerate full sun, but it may require extra watering.Q: How often should I water Tanakaea Radicans?
A: Water the plant when the soil is dry to the touch, but avoid letting the soil dry out completely. Water the plant deeply but make sure the water drains away quickly to prevent root rot.Q: Is Tanakaea Radicans a perennial plant?
A: Yes, this plant is an herbaceous perennial, which means it grows back every year from its roots.Q: What is the flowering period of Tanakaea Radicans?
A: The plant has a long flowering period that lasts from November to February.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Tanakaea Radicans:- Myosotidium hortensia (Chatham Island Giant Forget-Me-Not)- Brachyglottis greyi (Senecio greyi)- Coprosma chathamica (Chatham Island Coprosma)
References
– “Tanakaea Radicans.” New Zealand Plant Conservation Network. https://www.nzpcn.org.nz/flora/species/tanakaea-radicans/- “Tanakaea Radicans: Chatham Island Forget-Me-Not.” New Zealand Native Plants. https://www.nznativeplants.co.nz/shop/flowering-shrubs/tanakaea-radicans/- “Tanakaea Radicans.” Royal Horticultural Society. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/118729/Tanakaea-radicans/Details
