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Description
Wahlenbergia Thulinii, commonly known as Thulin’s bellflower, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Campanulaceae family. It is native to the high mountains of East Africa, including Ethiopia and Kenya. The plant grows up to 30cm in height and has a basal rosette of leaves that are lanceolate, toothed, and up to 10cm long. The flowers are blue-purple and bell-shaped, up to 3cm in length, and bloom from June to August.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Campanulaceae |
| Genus | Wahlenbergia |
| Species | Thulinii |
Appearance
Wahlenbergia Thulinii has a basal rosette of leaves that are lanceolate, toothed, and up to 10cm long. The stem is erect and up to 30cm in height. The flowers are blue-purple and bell-shaped, up to 3cm in length, and bloom from June to August. The plant prefers a well-drained soil and full to partial sunlight.
Care Guide
Wahlenbergia Thulinii requires moderate watering and fertilization during the growing season. The plant prefers well-draining soil and full to partial sunlight. It is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Wahlenbergia Thulinii is susceptible to rust and powdery mildew. It is also prone to damage by slugs and snails.
Habitat
Wahlenbergia Thulinii is native to the high mountains of East Africa, including Ethiopia and Kenya. It grows in rocky alpine meadows and along streambanks at elevations of 3000-4000m.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Wahlenbergia Thulinii an endangered species?
A: Yes, Wahlenbergia Thulinii is considered an endangered species due to habitat loss and overgrazing by livestock.
Q: Can Wahlenbergia Thulinii tolerate frost?
A: No, Wahlenbergia Thulinii is not frost-tolerant and should be protected from freezing temperatures.
Q: Does Wahlenbergia Thulinii attract pollinators?
A: Yes, Wahlenbergia Thulinii is pollinated by bees and other insects.
Q: How long does Wahlenbergia Thulinii bloom?
A: Wahlenbergia Thulinii blooms from June to August.
Related Plants
- Wahlenbergia marginata
- Wahlenbergia gloriosa
- Wahlenbergia hirsuta
- Wahlenbergia undulata
References
- Flower, W. (2010). Wahlenbergia thulinii. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2010: e.T162173A5510871. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-2.RLTS.T162173A5510871.en
- Gebrehiwot, K. et al. (2015). Floristic composition and vegetation structure of the Afroalpine vegetation of Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia. SINET: Ethiopian Journal of Science, 38(1), 79-94.
- The Plant List. (2013). Wahlenbergia thulinii. http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/kew-2560684
