Contents
Description
Xanthium Orientale Subsp. Italicum is a member of the Asteraceae family, commonly known as the cocklebur. It is native to the Mediterranean region and is an annual herb that grows up to 1 meter tall. The plant is characterized by its large, spiny, and oval-shaped leaves, which are dark green in color. Xanthium Orientale Subsp. Italicum produces small, greenish-yellow flowers that bloom from July to September. The plant is used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Xanthium |
| Species | Xanthium orientale |
| Subspecies | Xanthium orientale subsp. italicum |
Appearance
Xanthium Orientale Subsp. Italicum has large, spiny leaves that are oval-shaped and dark green in color. The plant grows up to 1 meter tall and produces small, greenish-yellow flowers that bloom from July to September. The fruit of the plant is a bur that is covered in hooked spines, which stick to clothing and fur, aiding in seed dispersal.
Care Guide
Xanthium Orientale Subsp. Italicum prefers moist, well-draining soil and full sun exposure. It is a hardy plant that can grow in hardiness zones 7-11. Water the plant regularly and fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season. Make sure to remove any weeds that may grow around the plant.
Common Pests & Diseases
Xanthium Orientale Subsp. Italicum is susceptible to powdery mildew and bacterial leaf spot. It may also attract aphids, spider mites, and flea beetles. To prevent these pests and diseases, make sure to keep the plant well-watered and fertilized. If you notice any signs of pests or diseases, remove the affected leaves and treat with an appropriate pesticide or fungicide.
Habitat
Xanthium Orientale Subsp. Italicum is native to the Mediterranean region and can be found growing in fields, meadows, and disturbed areas. It prefers areas with full sun exposure and moist, well-draining soil.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Xanthium Orientale Subsp. Italicum a perennial or annual plant?
A: Xanthium Orientale Subsp. Italicum is an annual plant.
Q: What is the fruit of Xanthium Orientale Subsp. Italicum?
A: The fruit of Xanthium Orientale Subsp. Italicum is a bur covered in hooked spines.
Q: What is Xanthium Orientale Subsp. Italicum used for?
A: Xanthium Orientale Subsp. Italicum is used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Q: What are some common pests and diseases that Xanthium Orientale Subsp. Italicum is susceptible to?
A: Xanthium Orientale Subsp. Italicum is susceptible to powdery mildew, bacterial leaf spot, aphids, spider mites, and flea beetles.
Related Plants
- Xanthium strumarium
- Xanthium spinosum
- Xanthium indicum
- Xanthium sibiricum
References
- “Xanthium orientale subsp. italicum.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed May 25, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287329.
- “Xanthium orientale subsp. italicum.” Plants for a Future. Accessed May 25, 2021. https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Xanthium+orientale+subsp.+italicum.
- “Xanthium orientale subsp. italicum.” World Flora Online. Accessed May 25, 2021. http://www.worldfloraonline.org/taxon/wfo-0000833601.
