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Description
Viola Philippica, commonly known as the Philippine violet, is a beautiful flowering plant that belongs to the Viola family. It is native to Southeast Asia, particularly in the Philippines, where it grows in the wild in moist and shady areas. This plant has become popular among gardeners worldwide because of its attractive and colorful blooms, which appear almost all year round.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Violaceae |
| Genus | Viola |
Appearance
Viola Philippica is a low-growing plant that can reach up to 12 inches in height. It has oval-shaped leaves that are dark green in color and slightly hairy. The flowers are the main attraction of this plant, and they come in various shades of purple, pink, and white, with a yellow center. The blooms are small, measuring only about half an inch in diameter, but they grow in clusters, creating a beautiful display. This plant can also produce small, edible fruits that look like tiny green berries.
Care Guide
Viola Philippica is a relatively easy-to-care-for plant that can thrive in a variety of growing conditions. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:Water: This plant prefers moist soil, so it is essential to water it regularly. However, be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.Fertilization: You can fertilize this plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to promote healthy growth and blooming.Soil: Viola Philippica prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. You can add compost or peat moss to the soil to improve its quality.Sunlight: This plant prefers partial shade or filtered sunlight. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and flowers.Hardiness Zones: Viola Philippica is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests and Diseases
Viola Philippica is generally not prone to pests and diseases. However, it can occasionally suffer from fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, which can be treated with fungicides. Aphids and spider mites can also infest this plant, but they can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Viola Philippica is native to Southeast Asia, particularly in the Philippines, where it grows in moist and shady areas. It can also be found in other countries in the region, such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. This plant can grow in a variety of habitats, from lowland forests to mountainous regions.
Questions and Answers
Q: Can Viola Philippica grow in full sun?
A: Viola Philippica prefers partial shade or filtered sunlight. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and flowers.Q: How often should I water Viola Philippica?
A: This plant prefers moist soil, so it is essential to water it regularly. However, be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.Q: What is the hardiness zone for Viola Philippica?
A: Viola Philippica is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.Q: How can I control pests on Viola Philippica?
A: Aphids and spider mites can infest this plant, but they can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Viola Philippica:- Viola odorata (sweet violet)- Viola sororia (common blue violet)- Viola tricolor (Johnny jump-up)- Viola cornuta (horned violet)
References
– “Viola” by Wikipedia contributors, Wikimedia Foundation, 26 Apr. 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viola.- “Viola Philippica” by Plants of the World Online, Kew Science, accessed 27 Apr. 2021, powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:857106-1.
