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Description
Varronia Podocephala is a flowering plant that belongs to the Verbenaceae family. It is also known as “cabeça-de-nego” or “cabeça-de-porco” in Portuguese and “pork head” in English. This plant is native to Brazil and is commonly found in the Cerrado biome, which is the second-largest biome in South America.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Verbenaceae |
| Genus | Varronia |
Appearance
Varronia Podocephala is a shrub that can reach up to 3 meters in height. It has a woody stem and its branches are covered with small, white hairs. Its leaves are ovate, shiny, and have serrated edges. The plant produces small, white flowers that are arranged in clusters. The flowers have a sweet fragrance and bloom during the summer. The fruits of Varronia Podocephala are small, black, and have a rounded shape.
Care Guide
Varronia Podocephala is a relatively easy plant to care for, as long as you provide it with the right growing conditions.
Water: This plant prefers moist soil but doesn’t like to be overwatered. Water it when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Fertilization: Fertilize Varronia Podocephala once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Soil: This plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Sunlight: Varronia Podocephala prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 9b to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Varronia Podocephala is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it can suffer from root rot if overwatered or grown in poorly draining soil.
Habitat
Varronia Podocephala is native to the Cerrado biome in Brazil. This biome is characterized by a unique combination of grasslands, savannas, and forests. Varronia Podocephala is adapted to the hot and dry conditions of this biome and can tolerate periods of drought.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Varronia Podocephala an indoor or outdoor plant?
A: Varronia Podocephala is an outdoor plant that prefers full sun.
Q: How often should I water Varronia Podocephala?
A: Water Varronia Podocephala when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Q: Can Varronia Podocephala tolerate drought?
A: Yes, Varronia Podocephala is adapted to the hot and dry conditions of the Cerrado biome and can tolerate periods of drought.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Varronia Podocephala?
A: Varronia Podocephala is hardy in USDA zones 9b to 11.
Related Plants
- Varronia Curassavica
- Varronia Echinata
- Varronia Leiocalyx
- Varronia Multiflora
- Varronia Rupicola
References
- “Varronia Podocephala.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science.
- “Varronia Podocephala.” Missouri Botanical Garden.
- “Varronia Podocephala.” Flora do Brasil 2020.
