Contents
Description
Tridax Procumbens, also known as coat buttons or Mexican daisy, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to South America, Central America, and Mexico, but it has spread to other parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, and Australia. The plant has a wide range of uses in traditional medicine, including treating wounds, fever, and digestive problems. It is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscaping.
Taxonomic Information
Domain | Eukaryota |
Kingdom | Plantae |
Phylum | Spermatophyta |
Class | Magnoliopsida |
Order | Asterales |
Family | Asteraceae |
Genus | Tridax |
Appearance
The Tridax Procumbens plant has a prostrate growth habit, meaning it grows along the ground. It can grow up to 60 centimeters in height and has simple, serrated leaves that are oval-shaped and up to 6 centimeters long. The flowers are yellow and daisy-like, with a diameter of up to 2 centimeters. The plant produces small fruits that are about 2 millimeters long and contain a single seed.
Care Guide
Tridax Procumbens is a hardy plant that is easy to care for. It can grow in a variety of soil types, from sandy to clay, as long as the soil is well-draining. The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It is drought-resistant and does not require frequent watering. Fertilization is not necessary, but a light application of balanced fertilizer in the spring can encourage growth. The plant is hardy to USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Tridax Procumbens plant is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to fungal diseases like root rot and powdery mildew in damp conditions. Insects like aphids and whiteflies can also infest the plant, but they can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Tridax Procumbens is native to South America, Central America, and Mexico, but it has spread to other parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, and Australia. It grows in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, savannas, and disturbed areas like roadsides and waste places.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Tridax Procumbens be grown indoors?
A: No, Tridax Procumbens is a plant that grows best outdoors in full sun.
Q: Can Tridax Procumbens be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, Tridax Procumbens can be propagated from stem cuttings taken in the spring or summer.
Q: Is Tridax Procumbens toxic to pets?
A: There is no evidence that Tridax Procumbens is toxic to pets, but it is always best to keep pets away from any plant that they may ingest.
Q: How often should Tridax Procumbens be watered?
A: Tridax Procumbens is drought-resistant and does not require frequent watering. Water the plant when the soil is dry to the touch.
Related Plants
- Tridax Coronopifolia
- Tridax Procumbens var. Procumbens
- Tridax Procumbens var. Floridana
References
- “Tridax procumbens.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 15 August 2021. <http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c804>.
- “Tridax procumbens.” Plants of the World Online. Accessed 15 August 2021. <http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:252800-1>.
- “Tridax procumbens (coat buttons).” CABI. Accessed 15 August 2021. <https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/54887>.