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Description
Thymelaea Hirsuta, commonly known as hairy thyme, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the family Thymelaeaceae. This plant species is native to the Mediterranean region, North Africa, and the Middle East. The shrub can grow up to 2 meters in height and has an average lifespan of 10 years.
Taxonomic Information
Domain | Eukaryota |
Kingdom | Plantae |
Phylum | Spermatophyta |
Class | Magnoliopsida |
Order | Malvales |
Family | Thymelaeaceae |
Genus | Thymelaea |
Appearance
The hairy thyme shrub has dense, hairy foliage that is green-gray in color. The leaves are small and narrow, measuring around 1-2 cm in length. The plant produces tiny, yellowish-white flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer. The fruit produced by Thymelaea Hirsuta is a small, brownish-black capsule that contains one or two seeds.
Care Guide
Thymelaea Hirsuta is a hardy plant that requires minimal maintenance. Here are some care tips:
- Water: Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season. Reduce watering during the winter months.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a year with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is slightly alkaline.
- Sunlight: Thymelaea Hirsuta requires full sun exposure to thrive.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Thymelaea Hirsuta is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can occasionally be affected by spider mites, aphids, and leaf spot disease. Regularly inspect the plant for signs of infestation and treat immediately with an appropriate insecticide or fungicide.
Habitat
Thymelaea Hirsuta is commonly found in dry, rocky habitats such as hillsides, cliffs, and rocky slopes. It can also grow in sandy soils and coastal regions.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Thymelaea Hirsuta be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as it is provided with adequate sunlight and well-draining soil.
Q: Does Thymelaea Hirsuta attract bees and butterflies?
A: Yes, the plant produces flowers that attract bees and butterflies.
Q: How often should Thymelaea Hirsuta be pruned?
A: Prune the plant once a year in late winter or early spring to promote bushier growth and remove dead or damaged branches.
Q: Is Thymelaea Hirsuta toxic to pets?
A: There is no information available on the toxicity of Thymelaea Hirsuta to pets. However, it is always best to keep pets away from plants unless they are known to be safe.
Related Plants
- Thymelaea tartonraira
- Thymelaea passerina
- Thymelaea hirsuta subsp. baetica
- Thymelaea sanamunda
References
- “Thymelaea Hirsuta.” Floridata. Accessed 10 June 2021. https://floridata.com/Plants/Thymelaeaceae/Thymelaea+hirsuta/1007
- “Thymelaea Hirsuta.” Plants of the World Online. Accessed 10 June 2021. http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77178847-1
- “Thymelaea Hirsuta.” Mediterranean Garden Society. Accessed 10 June 2021. https://www.mediterraneangardensociety.org/plants/Thymelaea-hirsuta.html