Contents
Description
Thesium Pungens is a unique and fascinating plant that belongs to the Santalaceae family. It is a perennial herb that is native to Europe and Asia, and it grows up to 40cm in height. This plant has a woody base and unbranched stems that are covered with small, scale-like leaves. The leaves are alternate, linear, and up to 5mm long.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Santalales |
| Family | Santalaceae |
| Genus | Thesium |
Appearance
Thesium Pungens has small, inconspicuous flowers that are clustered in the axils of the leaves. The flowers are greenish-white and have no petals or sepals. They are bisexual and are pollinated by insects. The fruit is a small, round capsule that contains one to two seeds. The plant blooms from June to August.
Care Guide
Thesium Pungens is a hardy and easy-to-grow plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips:
- Water: This plant prefers well-draining soil and does not require frequent watering. Water it only when the soil is dry to the touch.
- Fertilization: Thesium Pungens does not require fertilization, but you can apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring if you want to promote growth.
- Soil: This plant prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate poor soil, but it will not grow as well.
- Sunlight: Thesium Pungens prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it will not bloom as well.
- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Thesium Pungens is generally not susceptible to pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by powdery mildew, which can be prevented by providing good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering. Spider mites can also be a problem, especially in dry conditions. You can control them by spraying the plant with water or insecticidal soap.
Habitat
Thesium Pungens is native to Europe and Asia and can be found in dry meadows, steppes, and rocky slopes. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Thesium Pungens toxic to humans or pets?
A: There is no evidence that Thesium Pungens is toxic to humans or pets.
Q: Can Thesium Pungens be grown indoors?
A: Thesium Pungens prefers full sun and is not suitable for indoor growing.
Q: How often should I water Thesium Pungens?
A: Water Thesium Pungens only when the soil is dry to the touch. It prefers well-draining soil and does not require frequent watering.
Q: How tall does Thesium Pungens grow?
A: Thesium Pungens grows up to 40cm in height.
Related Plants
- Thesium Chinense
- Thesium Divaricatum
- Thesium Humifusum
References
- “Thesium Pungens.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 20, 2021. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=283154&isprofile=0&basic=thesium%20pungens.
- “Thesium Pungens.” Plants of the World Online. Accessed August 20, 2021. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:853327-1.
