Status:
valid
Authors:
E.Mey.
Source:
ildis
Year:
1836
Citation Micro:
Comm. Pl. Afr. Austr.: 116 (1836)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000212607
Common Names
- Lessertia candida
- Candida Lessertia
- Lessertia
Synonyms
- Coluteastrum candidum (E.Mey.) Kuntze [valid]
Description
Lessertia candida (also called L. candida, among many other common names) is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Europe and Asia. It grows up to 30 cm tall and has grey-green leaves. It is found in grasslands, meadows and other open habitats.
Uses & Benefits
Lessertia candida is used in traditional medicine, as a dye, and as an ornamental plant.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Flower of Lessertia candida is yellow, with a long, cylindrical corolla, and the seed is a small, oblong, flattened pod. The seedlings are small, with a single, rounded cotyledon.
Cultivation and Propagation
Lessertia candida is a perennial shrub that is native to South Africa. It is easy to propagate from seed, and can be grown in a variety of soils. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant and can tolerate temperatures down to -20°F. It can be propagated by division in the spring or fall. It can also be propagated from cuttings taken in the spring or summer.
Where to Find Lessertia candida
Lessertia candida can be found in the Mediterranean region, including Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Greece.
Lessertia candida FAQ
What is the optimal soil pH for Lessertia candida?
Lessertia candida prefers a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
What is the optimal temperature for Lessertia candida?
Lessertia candida prefers temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
What is the optimal light exposure for Lessertia candida?
Lessertia candida prefers full sun to partial shade.
Species in the Lessertia genus
Lessertia acanthorhachis,
Lessertia affinis,
Lessertia annularis,
Lessertia benguellensis,
Lessertia brachypus,
Lessertia brachystachya,
Lessertia candida,
Lessertia capensis,
Lessertia capitata,
Lessertia carnosa,
Lessertia cryptantha,
Lessertia depressa,
Lessertia diffusa,
Lessertia distans,
Lessertia dykei,
Lessertia emarginata,
Lessertia eremicola,
Lessertia falciformis,
Lessertia flanaganii,
Lessertia flexuosa,
Lessertia fruticosa,
Lessertia glabricaulis,
Lessertia globosa,
Lessertia harveyana,
Lessertia herbacea,
Lessertia incana,
Lessertia inflata,
Lessertia kensitii,
Lessertia macrostachya,
Lessertia margaritacea,
Lessertia microcarpa,
Lessertia mossii,
Lessertia parviflora,
Lessertia pappeana,
Lessertia pauciflora,
Lessertia perennans,
Lessertia phillipsiana,
Lessertia physodes,
Lessertia prostrata,
Lessertia rigida,
Lessertia spinescens,
Lessertia stricta,
Lessertia subumbellata,
Lessertia tenuifolia,
Lessertia thodei,
Lessertia tomentosa,
Lessertia contracta,
Lessertia villosa,
Lessertia macroflora,
Lessertia obtusata,
Species in the Fabaceae family