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Description
Wurmbea Variabilis, commonly known as the Variable Onion Orchid, is a flowering plant that is native to Australia. It belongs to the family Colchicaceae and is a perennial bulbous herb. The plant has a yellow or greenish-yellow flower that blooms from August to October. It is a small plant that grows up to 20 cm tall and has narrow, grass-like leaves.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Liliales |
| Family | Colchicaceae |
| Genus | Wurmbea |
| Species | Variabilis |
Appearance
The Variable Onion Orchid has a small, narrow, grass-like leaves that grow up to 15 cm long and 2-3 mm wide. The plants grow up to 20 cm tall and have a yellow or greenish-yellow flower that blooms from August to October. The flower has six tepals, three inner petals and three outer sepals. The tepals are 7-12 mm long and 3-5 mm wide. The plant produces a small, globose bulb that is about 1 cm in diameter.
Care Guide
To care for Wurmbea Variabilis, you need to provide it with the right amount of water, fertilization, soil, sunlight, and hardiness zones. The plant thrives in well-draining soil and needs regular watering during the growing season. It prefers partial shade but can also tolerate full sun.Wurmbea Variabilis does not require regular fertilization, but you can apply a slow-release fertilizer once a year during the growing season. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 8-11 and can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F.
Common Pests & Diseases
Wurmbea Variabilis is not prone to many pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by bulb rot if the soil is too wet. To prevent bulb rot, make sure the soil is well-draining and do not overwater the plant.
Habitat
Wurmbea Variabilis is native to Australia and can be found in the eastern states, including New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland. The plant grows in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, woodlands, and heathlands.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the blooming season for Wurmbea Variabilis?
A: The blooming season for Wurmbea Variabilis is from August to October.
Q: What are the ideal growing conditions for Wurmbea Variabilis?
A: Wurmbea Variabilis thrives in well-draining soil, partial shade, and regular watering during the growing season.
Q: What are the common pests and diseases that affect Wurmbea Variabilis?
A: Wurmbea Variabilis is not prone to many pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by bulb rot if the soil is too wet.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Wurmbea Variabilis?
A: Wurmbea Variabilis is hardy in USDA zones 8-11.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Wurmbea Variabilis:
- Wurmbea Dioica
- Wurmbea Tenella
- Wurmbea Biglandulosa
- Wurmbea Carringtoniae
References
- PlantNet: Wurmbea Variabilis
- Australian Native Plants Society (Australia): Wurmbea Variabilis
- Atlas of Living Australia: Wurmbea Variabilis
