Contents
Description
Welwitschiales is a group of plants that includes only one living species, Welwitschia mirabilis. This plant is known for its unique appearance and habitat. It is native to the Namib Desert in Angola and Namibia, where it grows in gravel plains and rocky outcrops. The plant is also known as “onion of the desert” due to its bulb-like stem.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pinophyta |
| Class | Gnetopsida |
| Order | Welwitschiales |
| Family | Welwitschiaceae |
| Genus | Welwitschia |
Appearance
Welwitschia mirabilis has a unique appearance with only two leaves that grow continuously throughout its life. The leaves are leathery and can grow up to 4 meters long. The plant also has a thick, woody stem that can grow up to 1 meter in diameter. The stem is usually buried in the ground, with only the top visible. The plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are pollinated by insects.
Care Guide
Welwitschia mirabilis is adapted to the harsh desert environment and requires minimal care. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:- Water: The plant can survive long periods without water, but it needs occasional watering during the growing season. Water the plant deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.- Fertilization: The plant does not require fertilization.- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil with gravel and sand.- Sunlight: The plant requires full sun.- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Welwitschia mirabilis is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it may occasionally be attacked by mealybugs, spider mites, or scale insects. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Overwatering can also lead to root rot, which can be prevented by allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Habitat
Welwitschia mirabilis is native to the Namib Desert in Angola and Namibia. It grows in gravel plains and rocky outcrops, where it is adapted to the harsh desert environment. The plant can survive long periods without water and is able to absorb moisture from the air through its leaves.
Question and Answer
Q: How long can Welwitschia mirabilis live?
A: Welwitschia mirabilis can live up to 2000 years.
Q: How does Welwitschia mirabilis obtain moisture?
A: Welwitschia mirabilis can absorb moisture from the air through its leaves.
Q: Can Welwitschia mirabilis be grown as a houseplant?
A: Welwitschia mirabilis is not suitable for growing as a houseplant due to its requirements for full sun and well-draining soil with gravel and sand.
Q: Is Welwitschia mirabilis a threatened species?
A: Welwitschia mirabilis is considered a vulnerable species due to habitat loss and overgrazing in its native range.
Related Plants
There are no closely related plants to Welwitschia mirabilis.
References
– Smith, G. F., & Van Wyk, A. E. (2018). Welwitschia mirabilis. In Plants of the World Online. The Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:83119-1- Welwitschia mirabilis. (n.d.). Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277967&isprofile=0&fid=0&isorg=0&gen=Welwitschia
