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Scorpion's-Tail (Heliotropium angiospermum)

Heliotropium angiospermum, commonly known as Scorpion's-Tail, is a fast-growing herbaceous plant with fragrant white flowers, often used in traditional medicine.

Above information is sourced from Wikipedia

Sunlight

Prefers full sun to partial shade.

Watering

Water when the top inch of soil is dry.

Soil

Well-draining soil is crucial. A standard potting mix amended with perlite or sand works well. It tolerates a range of soil types but dislikes consistently wet conditions.

Temperature

Thrives in warm temperatures.

Habitat

Outdoor, Indoor, Greenhouse

Fertilizer

Feed during the growing season.

Care Requirements

Light

Prefers full sun to partial shade.

Provide afternoon shade in hot climates.

Water

Water when the top inch of soil is dry.

Ensure good drainage; avoid waterlogging.

Soil

Well-draining soil is crucial. A standard potting mix amended with perlite or sand works well. It tolerates a range of soil types but dislikes consistently wet conditions.

Temperature

Thrives in warm temperatures.

Ideal range 18-25°C; sensitive to frost.

Habitat

Outdoor, Indoor, Greenhouse

Fertilizer

Feed during the growing season.

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks.

Plant Overview

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Category

Flowering, Medicinal

Plant Place Type

Ground, Pot

Plant Environment

Outdoor, Indoor, Greenhouse

Lifespan

Perennials

Plant Height

0.3-1 m

Spread

0.3-1 m

Growth Rate

Fast

Dormancy

None

Leaf Color

Green

Leaf Type

Simple

Flower Size

0.5 cm

Image Gallery

Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.

Northern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JulPeak fruit · Jul
FloweringFruiting
02468JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecActivity intensityMonths87
Southern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JanPeak fruit · Jan
FloweringFruiting
02468JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecActivity intensityMonths76
Synonyms
Heliophytum crispulum Fresen.
Heliophytum odorum Fresen.
Heliophytum parviflorum (Murray) DC.
Heliophytum portoricensis Bello
Heliotropium crispulum (Fresen.) Gürke
Heliotropium foetidum Salzm. ex DC.
Heliotropium fragrans J.F.Macbr.
Heliotropium lancifolium Sessé & Moc.
Heliotropium latifolium Willd. ex Lehm.
Heliotropium oblongifolium M.Martens & Galeotti
Heliotropium parviflorum L.
Heliotropium patebilcense Kunth
Heliotropium rugosum M.Martens & Galeotti
Heliotropium scorpioides Kunth
Heliotropium synzystachyum Ruiz & Pav.
Schobera angiosperma (Murray) Scop.
Schobera hirsuta Raf.
Tournefortia synzystachya Roem. & Schult.
Taxonomy
  • kingdomPlantae
  • divisionTracheophyta
  • classMagnoliopsida
  • orderBoraginales
  • familyBoraginaceae
  • genusHeliotropium
  • speciesHeliotropium angiospermum
Toxicity

Toxic for humans

No

Rating: 0/5

Toxic for pets

No

Rating: 0/5

Edible

No

Additional Care Tips

Water regularly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot. In hot weather, it may require more frequent watering.

Prune to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Pinch back young plants to promote branching. Remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Light pruning can be done anytime.

Easily propagated from seeds sown in spring or from stem cuttings taken during the growing season. Cuttings root readily in moist soil or water.

Repot young plants annually or when root-bound. Mature plants can be repotted every 2-3 years. Use a pot with drainage holes and fresh potting mix.

FAQs

How often should I water Heliotropium angiospermum?

Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot, and reduce watering slightly in cooler months.

What kind of light does Scorpion's-Tail need?

It prefers full sun to partial shade. In very hot climates, provide afternoon shade to protect the leaves from scorching. Indoors, a bright window is best.

Can Heliotropium angiospermum be grown indoors?

Yes, it can be grown indoors as a houseplant, provided it receives adequate light and is planted in well-draining soil.

How do I propagate Heliotropium angiospermum?

Propagation is easy from seeds sown in spring or from stem cuttings taken during the growing season. Cuttings root well in moist soil or water.

Is Heliotropium angiospermum poisonous?

Heliotropium angiospermum is not considered poisonous to pets or humans.