Contents
Description
Tragia Betonicifolia is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae. It is also known as “Desert Lace” and “Soft-Leaved Nettle”. This plant is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is a low-growing plant that can reach up to 1-2 feet in height and 2-3 feet in width. It has a spreading habit and produces small, greenish flowers in the spring and summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae |
| Genus | Tragia |
Appearance
The Tragia Betonicifolia has soft, hairy leaves that are green and roughly heart-shaped. The stems are also hairy and have a reddish tint. The flowers are small and greenish-yellow. The plant produces small, green capsules that contain seeds. The plant has a spreading habit and can form dense mats of foliage.
Care Guide
Tragia Betonicifolia is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:
Water
This plant is drought-tolerant and does not require regular watering. However, it should be watered deeply during prolonged dry spells to prevent wilting.
Fertilization
Tragia Betonicifolia does not require fertilizer. However, a light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring can encourage growth and flowering.
Soil
This plant prefers well-draining soil that is sandy or rocky. It can tolerate poor soil conditions and is adapted to growing in arid environments.
Sunlight
Tragia Betonicifolia prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It is adapted to growing in hot, dry environments and can withstand high temperatures.
Hardiness Zones
This plant is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Tragia Betonicifolia is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to fungal diseases in humid environments. The plant can also attract aphids and spider mites.
Habitat
Tragia Betonicifolia is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is adapted to growing in arid environments and can be found in desert scrub, rocky slopes, and canyons. It is a common plant in the Sonoran Desert.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Tragia Betonicifolia poisonous?
A: No, this plant is not poisonous to humans or animals.
Q: Can Tragia Betonicifolia be grown indoors?
A: No, this plant is not suitable for indoor growing as it requires full sun and well-draining soil.
Q: Does Tragia Betonicifolia attract pollinators?
A: Yes, this plant is attractive to bees and other pollinators.
Q: How often should Tragia Betonicifolia be pruned?
A: This plant does not require regular pruning. However, it can be trimmed back in the fall to remove dead or damaged foliage.
Related Plants
- Tragia ramosa
- Tragia brevipes
- Tragia nepetifolia
References
- “Tragia betonicifolia.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Accessed August 2021. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=TRBE10.
- “Tragia betonicifolia.” Arizona State University School of Life Sciences. Accessed August 2021. https://cals.arizona.edu/yavapaiplants/SpeciesDetailForb.php?genus=Tragia&species=betonicifolia.
- “Tragia betonicifolia.” Plant Finder. Accessed August 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=282095&isprofile=0&basic=tragia%20betonicifolia.
