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Description
Tigridia Meleagris, commonly known as the Mexican Shellflower, is a perennial bulbous plant that belongs to the family Iridaceae. It is native to Mexico and Central America and is widely cultivated for its showy and colorful flowers. The plant produces large, funnel-shaped flowers with six petals that are arranged in a star shape. The petals come in a range of colors such as white, pink, orange, yellow, and red, with various markings and patterns. The flowers bloom for a short period of time, usually one day, but they are replaced by new flowers the following day, making the plant a great addition to any garden.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain| Eukarya||————|———–|| Kingdom| Plantae|| Phylum| Anthophyta|| Class| Monocotyledonae || Order| Asparagales || Family| Iridaceae || Genus| Tigridia|| Species| Meleagris |
Appearance
The Tigridia Meleagris plant grows up to 60 cm tall and has long, narrow leaves that are green in color. The flowers are the highlight of the plant and can grow up to 10 cm in diameter. The petals are thin and delicate, with a velvety texture. The center of the flower has a prominent, yellow stamen with a red anther. The flowers bloom in summer and fall, and each bloom lasts for only a day. However, the plant produces multiple blooms during the flowering season, making it a stunning addition to any garden.
Care Guide
Tigridia Meleagris is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips to help you grow a healthy specimen:- Water: The plant needs regular watering, especially during the growing season. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.- Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season to promote healthy growth and blooming.- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. A mixture of soil, sand, and peat moss works well.- Sunlight: The plant thrives in full sun or partial shade. However, it needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to produce blooms.- Hardiness Zones: Tigridia Meleagris can grow in USDA zones 8-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Tigridia Meleagris is generally not prone to pests and diseases. However, here are some common issues to watch out for:- Aphids: These tiny insects suck the sap from the leaves and stems of the plant and can cause stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. Use an insecticidal soap to get rid of them.- Spider mites: These pests are not visible to the naked eye but can cause yellowing and curling of leaves. Use a miticide to control them.- Fusarium wilt: This fungal disease causes yellowing of leaves and wilting of the plant. There is no cure, so remove and destroy affected plants to prevent the spread of the disease.
Habitat
Tigridia Meleagris is native to Mexico and Central America, where it grows in mountainous regions and along roadsides. The plant prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate dry conditions. It is a great addition to a garden border, rock garden, or container.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water Tigridia Meleagris?
A: Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Q: How do I fertilize Tigridia Meleagris?
A: Apply a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.
Q: Does Tigridia Meleagris need full sun or partial shade?
A: The plant thrives in full sun or partial shade but needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to produce blooms.
Q: Is Tigridia Meleagris prone to pests and diseases?
A: Tigridia Meleagris is generally not prone to pests and diseases, but watch out for aphids, spider mites, and Fusarium wilt.
Related Plants
Here are some plants that are related to Tigridia Meleagris:- Iris- Crocus- Gladiolus- Freesia- Anemone- Ranunculus
References
– “Tigridia Meleagris.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c519- “Tigridia Meleagris.” Royal Horticultural Society. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/25925/Tigridia-meleagris/Details
