Primula malacoides, called the fairy primrose or baby primrose, is a perennial species of Primula native to the Himalayas, Assam in India, Myanmar, and south-central and south east China.[2] It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[3]
| Primula malacoides | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Ericales |
| Family: | Primulaceae |
| Genus: | Primula |
| Species: | P. malacoides
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| Binomial name | |
| Primula malacoides | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
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Description
editThis plant usually has purple flowers, although some may have red, white or bright-pink flowers.[4]
Their hairy leaves measure at 4–8cm and are a pale-green colour. They usually grow to 30cm across and 20–40cm tall.[4]
History
editThis species was considered a weed as it would grow on the rice fields of Chinese farmers. This plant was cultivated from a seed by George Forrest in 1908. This species started to gain popularity among commercial growers in England. Within a decade, a new strain which was colourful and fragrant was sold commercially in greenhouses in the USA and throughout Europe.[5]
Cultivation
editThis plant can be propagated by seed or by division in late summer.[4][6]
This species is a popular ornamental place and can be used as a houseplant or as a greenhouse plant.[4]
It should be grown in fertile, well-drained soil with regular waterings.[4][6]
Pests and disease
editThis plant is prone to infestation by aphids. Signs of infestation may include: honeydew secretion, galls, and distortion of leaves.[4]
Toxicity
editThe leaves may cause irritation. It is advised to wear gloves when handling this plant.[4]
This species may also have allergenic properties with symptoms including rashes and headaches.[6][5]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Bull. Soc. Bot. France 33: 64 (1886)
- ^ a b "Primula malacoides Franch". Plants of the World Online. Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. 2017. Retrieved 5 October 2020.
- ^ "Primula malacoides (Mo) fairy primrose". The Royal Horticultural Society. Retrieved 5 October 2020.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Plants & Flowers » Primula malacoides". Retrieved 2020-10-24.
- ^ a b Mattus, Matt (2010-02-01). "A weed by any other name, Primula malacoides". Retrieved 2020-10-25.
- ^ a b c "Primula malacoides". www.barnhaven.com. Retrieved 2020-10-25.