2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Maclea (lat. Macleya) - a light-loving perennial, which is a representative of the Poppy family.
Description
Maclay is a fairly large rhizomatous decorative-leaved perennial, endowed with the ability to form thickets up to two meters high. Macleia shoots are densely covered along the entire length with a characteristic waxy bloom, and large, heart-shaped alternate petiole leaves of this plant can reach twenty centimeters in diameter. The front sides of these leaves are usually smooth and painted in green tones with a slight admixture of bluish tints, and the back sides of the leaves are always densely pubescent and usually white. By the way, this plant is characterized by the ability to grow very quickly.
Small flowers of makleia gather in paniculate openwork inflorescences. They can be either white or pink. As for the flowering period, it usually lasts about thirty-five days and invariably falls in July-August.
Growing in natural conditions, makleia almost always bears fruit - its fruits look like generously filled seed pods.
There are five species of the macleia genus in total.
Where grows
Macleaia grows mainly in the Japanese, Chinese and American tropics. This plant is also grown in the Russian middle lane: there usually makleya heart-shaped and makleya small-fruited are used.
Usage
Maclea is an excellent plant for decorating gardens and parks. And this plant successfully performs not only decorative, but also "camouflage" functions - its large leaves in combination with tall stems and original flowers perfectly hide almost any unsightly areas. They can also form amazingly beautiful hedges! At the same time, macleia simply does not need the neighborhood of any other plants - it develops so quickly that it gradually displaces all living things around it.
Maclea is also perfect for decorating ponds - its leaves will look especially impressive in windy weather, revealing their luxurious "silver" inside out. And the lacy clouds of flowers will invariably attract your eyes!
Macleay is also used quite actively in folk medicine - its infusions are considered excellent assistants in the treatment of stomatitis and all kinds of skin ailments. Perhaps this is why mackleigh is often seen in acne lotions.
Growing and caring
Ideally, mackleigh should be planted in areas with soils enriched with all kinds of organic substances, which are characterized by moderate moisture. Soils should ideally be sufficiently nutritious and loose, and well-drained.
In the autumn period, this plant is recommended to be mulched with humus, but if there is no humus at hand, it's okay - makleia is quite capable of wintering safely and without any shelter. It usually grows back in the first half of May, and if young sprouts turn out to be beaten by frosts, new ones will simply grow instead.
Macleay does not like and does not tolerate transplants, but she is very responsive to various organic fertilizers and dressings. And it is absolutely not susceptible to attacks of any pests or diseases!
Macleia propagates with the onset of May by root suckers. Also, if desired, at the beginning of summer or at the end of spring, you can propagate it by dividing the bushes. As for the frequency of planting, it is necessary to try to maintain a distance of thirty to forty centimeters between plants.
