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Description
Tragia Smallii, also known as Small’s Noseburn, is a small perennial herb that belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. It is commonly found in the southeastern United States, particularly in Florida and Georgia. This plant can grow up to 2 feet tall and has green leaves that are oval-shaped and toothed. Tragia Smallii blooms from late summer to fall, producing small greenish-white flowers that are not showy but attract pollinators.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Euphorbiales |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae |
| Genus | Tragia |
Appearance
Tragia Smallii has green leaves that are 1-3 inches long and 0.5-1.5 inches wide. The leaves are oval-shaped and toothed, and they are arranged in an alternate pattern along the stem. The stem is green, slender, and hairy, and it can grow up to 2 feet tall. The flowers of Tragia Smallii are small and greenish-white, and they are not showy but attract pollinators. The fruit is a capsule that contains small, black seeds.
Care Guide
Tragia Smallii is an easy-to-grow plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips on how to care for Tragia Smallii:
- Water: Tragia Smallii prefers well-drained soil that is kept moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant regularly during the growing season, but reduce watering in winter.
- Fertilization: Tragia Smallii does not require regular fertilization. You can apply a balanced fertilizer once a year in the spring.
- Soil: Tragia Smallii prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.0.
- Sunlight: Tragia Smallii prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it may not bloom as well.
- Hardiness Zones: Tragia Smallii is hardy in USDA zones 8-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Tragia Smallii is generally pest and disease-free. However, it may be susceptible to fungal diseases if it is grown in poorly-drained soil or if it is overwatered. Here are some common pests and diseases that may affect Tragia Smallii:
- Fungal Diseases: Tragia Smallii may be susceptible to fungal diseases such as root rot and leaf spot. To prevent these diseases, avoid overwatering and ensure that the soil is well-drained.
- Spider Mites: Spider mites may infest Tragia Smallii, causing yellowing and stippling of the leaves. To control spider mites, spray the plant with a strong jet of water or use insecticidal soap.
Habitat
Tragia Smallii is native to the southeastern United States, particularly in Florida and Georgia. It can be found in dry, sandy soils in open fields, pine forests, and scrublands. It is tolerant of drought, heat, and poor soil conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Tragia Smallii toxic?
A: Tragia Smallii is not toxic to humans or animals, but it may cause skin irritation if it comes into contact with the skin.
Q: Can Tragia Smallii be grown indoors?
A: Tragia Smallii is best grown outdoors in full sun to partial shade. It is not suitable for indoor cultivation.
Q: How often should I water Tragia Smallii?
A: Water Tragia Smallii regularly during the growing season, but reduce watering in winter. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged.
Q: How do I propagate Tragia Smallii?
A: Tragia Smallii can be propagated by seed or stem cuttings. To propagate by seed, sow the seeds in the spring in well-drained soil. To propagate by stem cuttings, take 3-4 inch cuttings from the tip of the stem and root them in a well-draining soil mix.
Related Plants
- Tragia brevipes
- Tragia chamissonis
- Tragia cordata
- Tragia involucrata
References
- “Tragia Smallii.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=TRSM2
- “Tragia Smallii.” Florida Native Plant Society. https://www.fnps.org/plants/plant/tragia-smallii
- “Tragia Smallii.” University of Florida IFAS Extension. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fp670
