Contents
Description
Tetranema is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Brassicaceae. This plant is native to the Himalayas and is commonly found in the alpine regions of Asia. It is a perennial plant that produces attractive flowers in shades of pink, purple and blue. Tetranema is also known as Himalayan cress and is popular among gardeners due to its unique appearance and low maintenance requirements.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Genus | Tetranema |
Appearance
Tetranema is a low-growing plant that reaches a height of around 10-15 cm. It has a basal rosette of leaves that are slightly hairy and have a lobed appearance. The flowers of Tetranema are produced on long stems that rise above the foliage. The flowers are usually pink, purple or blue, and are shaped like a cross. Tetranema produces flowers in late spring to early summer and adds a splash of color to any garden.
Care Guide
Tetranema is an easy-to-grow plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips on how to care for Tetranema:- Water: Tetranema prefers moist soil, so water it regularly during the growing season, especially during hot and dry weather.- Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to encourage healthy growth and flowering.- Soil: Tetranema prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It grows well in acidic to neutral soil.- Sunlight: Tetranema prefers partial shade to full sun. It can tolerate a wide range of light conditions.- Hardiness Zones: Tetranema is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Tetranema is generally not prone to pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by:- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the leaves and stems of Tetranema, causing them to wilt and die. Use insecticidal soap to control aphids.- Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease can affect the leaves of Tetranema, causing them to become covered in a white powdery coating. Use a fungicide to control powdery mildew.
Habitat
Tetranema is native to the Himalayas and is commonly found in alpine regions of Asia. It grows in well-draining soil in partial shade to full sun. Tetranema is a hardy plant that can tolerate cold temperatures and is often grown in rock gardens or as a border plant.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Tetranema a perennial or an annual plant?
A: Tetranema is a perennial plant that can live for several years.
Q: Does Tetranema prefer full sun or partial shade?
A: Tetranema can grow in both full sun and partial shade, but it prefers partial shade in hot and dry climates.
Q: How often should I water Tetranema?
A: Tetranema prefers moist soil, so water it regularly during the growing season, especially during hot and dry weather.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Tetranema?
A: Tetranema is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Tetranema that you might be interested in:- Aubrieta deltoidea (Purple Rock Cress)- Arabis alpina (Alpine Rock Cress)- Saxifraga oppositifolia (Purple Saxifrage)- Dryas octopetala (White Dryas)
References
– “Tetranema.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c938.- “Tetranema.” Plant Delights Nursery, Inc., www.plantdelights.com/blogs/articles/tetranema-himalayan-cress.- “Tetranema.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/plants/210535/tetranema/details.
