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Description
Wurmbea Recurva, also known as the Spring Starflower, is a perennial flowering plant that belongs to the Colchicaceae family. It is native to the Western Cape Province of South Africa and is commonly found in open grasslands and rocky outcrops. The plant has a basal rosette of leaves with erect flowering stalks that can grow up to 30cm tall. The flowers are small and star-shaped with six white or pinkish petals that bloom in early spring.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Liliales |
| Family | Colchicaceae |
| Genus | Wurmbea |
Appearance
The Wurmbea Recurva plant has a basal rosette of narrow linear leaves that grow up to 15cm long and 2mm wide. The leaves are green and have a smooth texture. The flowering stalks are thin and wiry, growing up to 30cm tall. Each stalk bears a cluster of small star-shaped flowers that are 1-2cm wide. The flowers have six white or pinkish petals that are recurved or curved backward. The anthers are yellow and the stigmas are white.
Care Guide
Wurmbea Recurva plants are easy to care for and require minimal maintenance. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:- Water: Water the plant regularly during the growing season (spring to summer) to keep the soil moist. Reduce watering in the fall and winter when the plant is dormant.- Fertilization: This plant does not require fertilization. However, you can add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil in the spring if desired.- Soil: This plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A sandy or loamy soil mix is ideal.- Sunlight: The Wurmbea Recurva plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can cause the plant to become leggy and weak.- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 8-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Wurmbea Recurva plants are not prone to many pests or diseases. However, they can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. To prevent root rot, ensure that the soil is well-draining and do not overwater the plant. Aphids and spider mites may occasionally infest the plant, but these can be easily controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Wurmbea Recurva plants are native to the Western Cape Province of South Africa. They are commonly found in open grasslands, rocky outcrops, and on hillsides. The plant prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate both dry and moist conditions. It is adapted to a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the bloom time for Wurmbea Recurva?
A: Wurmbea Recurva blooms in early spring.
Q: How tall can Wurmbea Recurva grow?
A: The flowering stalks of Wurmbea Recurva can grow up to 30cm tall.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Wurmbea Recurva?
A: Wurmbea Recurva is hardy in USDA zones 8-10.
Q: What is the common name for Wurmbea Recurva?
A: The common name for Wurmbea Recurva is Spring Starflower.
Related Plants
– Wurmbea Dioica- Wurmbea Elongata- Wurmbea Occidentalis- Wurmbea Punctata
References
– “Wurmbea Recurva (Spring Starflower).” Plantz Africa, 24 July 2004, http://pza.sanbi.org/wurmbea-recurva.- “Wurmbea Recurva.” Pacific Bulb Society, 2008, https://www.pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/index.php/Wurmbea_recurva.
