Contents
Description
Tricholepidium is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae, native to South America. It consists of about 12 species of annual or perennial herbs. The name Tricholepidium comes from the Greek words trichos, meaning hair, and lepidion, meaning small scale. This refers to the small scales on the achenes (small, dry, one-seeded fruits) of the plants.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Tricholepidium |
Appearance
Tricholepidium plants are typically small, growing to a height of 10–50 cm. The leaves are alternate, simple, and entire, and are covered in small hairs. The flowers are arranged in small clusters at the ends of the stems, and are typically yellow, orange, or red in color. The achenes are small and dry, and are covered in small scales.
Care Guide
Tricholepidium plants are easy to care for and make good ornamental plants. Here are some tips for taking care of them:- Water: Tricholepidium plants prefer moist soil, but be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.- Fertilization: Fertilize Tricholepidium plants every 2-3 weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: Tricholepidium plants prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: Tricholepidium plants prefer full sun to partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: Tricholepidium plants are hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Tricholepidium plants are generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, they may sometimes be affected by aphids, spider mites, or powdery mildew. These can be treated with insecticidal soap, neem oil, or a fungicide.
Habitat
Tricholepidium plants are native to South America, where they grow in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, forests, and wetlands. They are often found in disturbed areas, such as roadsides and fields.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Tricholepidium plants tolerate drought?
A: No, Tricholepidium plants prefer moist soil and do not tolerate drought well.
Q: Are Tricholepidium plants hardy?
A: Yes, Tricholepidium plants are hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Q: Can Tricholepidium plants be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Tricholepidium plants can be grown indoors as long as they receive adequate sunlight and are not overwatered.
Q: How often should Tricholepidium plants be fertilized?
A: Tricholepidium plants should be fertilized every 2-3 weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Related Plants
Here are some other plants in the family Asteraceae that are related to Tricholepidium:- Cosmos bipinnatus- Helianthus annuus- Rudbeckia hirta- Echinacea purpurea- Tagetes erecta
References
– Flora of North America. (n.d.). Tricholepidium. In Flora of North America. Retrieved from http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=132576- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Tricholepidium. In Missouri Botanical Garden. Retrieved from http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/plantfinder/plantfindersearch.aspx?taxonid=292782&isprofile=0&PTYP=1- PlantZAfrica. (n.d.). Tricholepidium. In PlantZAfrica. Retrieved from http://pza.sanbi.org/tricholepidium
