Care of the plant Aerva leucura or Aerva edulis |
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The genus Aerva belongs to the Amaranthaceae family and is made up of 6 species of perennial plants native to Madagascar, Africa and India. Some species are: Aerva leucura, Aerva revoluta, Aerva javanica, Aerva lanata. Scientific synonym: Aerva edulis. This species is native to South Africa. They are perennial herbaceous plants with an erect or inclined bearing that reach 1 meter (3.28 feet) in height. They have few oval green leaves that turn yellow and reddish in the fall. The most interesting are its curious and abundant woolly inflorescences that hang from the branches (the flowers are small and greenish). They bloom in summer and part of autumn. They are used to form flowerbeds or groups with other plants that have foliage that contrasts with the cream color of their inflorescences. The Aerva leucura prefers full sun exposure but can also be grown in semi-shade. It does not tolerate frost. They can grow in normal garden soil with coarse sand to improve drainage although they prefer it to be clay with good drainage. The waterings will be regular in spring and summer, decreasing them from the autumn to make them scarce in winter since the plant enters a period of rest. They do not require special fertilizations. They should be pruned almost to the base in late winter. They are very resistant plants to the usual pests and diseases. They propagate from new shoot cuttings in spring and early summer. |
Images of the plant Aerva leucura or Aerva edulis |
 Aerva leucura  Aerva leucura |