Contents
Description
Tarenaya is a genus of flowering plants that belong to the family Cleomaceae. It consists of a single species, Tarenaya hassleriana, which is commonly known as Tarenaya or False Cleome. This plant is native to South America, specifically the countries of Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. Tarenaya is a popular ornamental plant that is grown for its attractive foliage and showy flowers.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Cleomaceae |
| Genus | Tarenaya |
Appearance
Tarenaya is a fast-growing, annual plant that can reach a height of up to 3 feet (91 cm) tall. It has a bushy growth habit with bright green, palmate leaves that are up to 6 inches (15 cm) long. The leaves are divided into 5-7 leaflets that are sharply toothed along the margins. Tarenaya produces clusters of small, pink or white flowers that are about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. The flowers have 4 petals and are arranged in a raceme at the end of the stem. The plant blooms from mid-summer to frost.
Care Guide
Tarenaya is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips for keeping your Tarenaya healthy:- Water: Tarenaya prefers well-draining soil that is kept moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant regularly, especially during dry periods.- Fertilization: Feed Tarenaya with a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.- Soil: Tarenaya grows best in fertile, well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. Amend the soil with compost or peat moss before planting.- Sunlight: Tarenaya thrives in full sun to partial shade. It needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to bloom.- Hardiness Zones: Tarenaya is hardy in USDA zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Tarenaya is generally pest and disease-resistant. However, it may be susceptible to the following:- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects suck the sap from the plant, causing it to wilt and yellow. Use an insecticidal soap to control aphids.- Spider mites: These tiny pests live on the underside of the leaves and spin webs. They cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop. Spray the plant with neem oil to control spider mites.
Habitat
Tarenaya is native to South America, where it grows in open fields and along roadsides. It prefers sunny, well-draining soil and is tolerant of drought and heat.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Tarenaya a perennial or an annual plant?
A: Tarenaya is an annual plant.
Q: Can Tarenaya grow in partial shade?
A: Yes, Tarenaya can grow in partial shade, but it needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to bloom.
Q: How often should I fertilize Tarenaya?
A: Feed Tarenaya with a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.
Q: Is Tarenaya hardy in cold climates?
A: No, Tarenaya is hardy in USDA zones 8-11 and does not tolerate frost or freezing temperatures.
Related Plants
– Cleome hassleriana (Spider Flower)- Cleome spinosa (Rocky Mountain Beeplant)- Cleome viscosa (Sticky Cleome)
References
– “Tarenaya hassleriana.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c479- “Tarenaya hassleriana.” Plant Care Today. https://plantcaretoday.com/tarenaya-hassleriana.html- “Tarenaya hassleriana.” Gardening Know How. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/tarenaya-hassleriana/tarenaya-hassleriana-care.htm
