Phyla nodiflora - Frog fruit is found growing along stream banks and in grassy places at elevations of 300 - 2300 meters above sea level...
Phyla nodiflora, also called as Frog fruit, Sawtooth fogfruit, Turkey tangle, Daisy lawn, Fog grass, Blairia nodiflora, Lippia nodiflora, Platonia nodiflora, Verbena nodiflora, Zappania nodiflora, is a species of the genus Phyla. This species was described by Edward Lee Greene in 1899.
IDENTIFY PHYLA NODIFLORA - FROG FRUIT
Phyla nodiflora is native to the area from northern South America to
southern United States. It can be found in tropical areas around the globe, a
naturalized species in many places. It is found growing along stream banks and
in grassy places at elevations of 300 - 2300 meters above sea level.
It is a low growing, prostrate creeping herb, with slender often purplish stems of 20–45 cm long covered with fine medifixed hairs and have woody rootstock, that often forming a dense mat. The leaves are often green (turn reddish in winter), oblanceolate to obovate, 0.5–5 cm long, 0.2–3 cm wide, acute and sharply serrate at the apex, cuneate and entire at the base, glabrous or thinly pubescent with adpressed medifixed hairs.
Frog fruit can blooms anytime of the year from the purplish, cylindrical, 0.3–2.5 cm long spikes. It distinct yet tiny flowers are composed of several to many white to pinkish flowers surrounding a dark purple center. The flowers constantly attract bees. Due to its melliferous nature, it is therefore not recommended if you have children or a garden at home.
PHYLA NODIFLORA - FROG FRUIT CARE AND CULTURE
Cultural information should only be used as a guide, and should be to be adapted to suit you. Your physical location; where you grow your plants, how much time you have to devote to their care, and many other factors, will need to be taken into account. Only then can you decide on the cultural methods that best suit you and your plants.
Light:
Phyla nodiflora grow well in full sun or semi-shade. The sunnier the area, the happier the plant will be. When grown in shade the plant makes a lot of vegetative growth but does not flower well.
Temperature:
Frog fruit are hardy in USDA zones 8 to 11. It resists frost down to -5 °C, but long cold and wet winters should avoid. Although evergreen in most native regions, it will lose leaves in temperate climates when cold temperatures arrive in fall. In most cases, it will re-sprout in spring, provided the root zone wasn’t exposed to serious freezing temperatures.
Humidity:
Moisture levels are important and the plant needs change as the seasons change. When in active growth, like during spring and summer, they will need average moist to moderately moist. In winter, they need less moist to avoid root rot.
Substrate and growing media:
Phyla nodiflora can grow in any type of soil (even calcareous) that is well drained. It makes a great groundcover as it can form dense mats in the right conditions. However, it does not tolerate regular foot traffic and is more of a visual substitute for a lawn than a surface to actively use. They are used to fix slopes, in rockeries, to cover dry areas of the garden. They are ideal for Mediterranean coastal gardens and for cities due to their resistance to pollution. Planting is done in autumn or spring at a rate of 5 specimens per square meter. It also works well in a hanging basket as trailing plants.
Watering:
Water is an important part of plant care. While they like dry soil and need good drainage, they will need additional moisture during the hottest months of summer for best growth, a good watering carried out once or twice a month in hot season is enough. They are very drought tolerant once established, but appreciate regular waterings, always waiting for the substrate to be dry, do not overwatering.
It has an interesting resistance to drought, even when exposed to extreme conditions. When the area has low irrigation, it tends to shrink in size, its leaves shrink and the carpet that forms the plant becomes thinner. In temperate zones it retains the same appearance throughout the year.
Fertilizer:
Frog fruit does not require to be fertilized. However, it is recommended that you apply a type of granular fertilizer during the spring or a slow release fertilizer, giving preference to formulas that contain nitrogen and potassium. If you repeat this procedure in autumn, it can make the plant better withstand the cold season.
Pruning:
Pruning is not necessary but its rapid growth must be controlled because they can become invasive. When grown as an unmowed bank plant, it can reach heights of 5-6 inches and have a soft cushion-like habit. When grown as a turf grass substitute, it can be mowed as low as 1 inch. The flowers are attractive to bees, mow periodically if this is a problem.
Pests and diseases:
Phyla nodiflora are resistant to pests and diseases. Although it is a species that tends to compete advantageously with weeds, it is best to eliminate it as soon as possible, so that you ensure its proper development.
Propagation:
Frog fruit can be easily grown from cuttings or by division because it spreads and roots at nodes. The plant can also sow by seeds. You can plant 5 to 15 seedlings per square meter depending on the effect you want. For example, if you expect quick coverage, the density of the number of seedlings ranges from 10 to 12 per square meter. Finally, water abundantly until the seedlings are fully rooted.
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