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Floral Index Entry - Torenia fournieri, โBluewings, Wishbone flowerโ
Fauna
If youโre willing on growing a garden, this flower is good for attracting bees, and other pollinators. Highly beneficial.
There are many species ofย Apoidea,ย โBeesโ That pollinate this plant. Some species I saw include: Trigona carbonaria โNative Stingless Beesโ, Amegilla cingulata โBlue-banded beeโ, and the Honey beeย โApis melliferaโ.ย The flower can also attract humming birds.
Pests
This flower is a meal for the infamous Spodoptera litura, keep an eye out for the caterpillar. The best method of controlling caterpillars, would be to just pick them off by hand. This caterpillar is usually found in the bud of the flower, but later instars are easier to spot on the leaves and stems, eating away at the flower and its petals.
There are also various fungal infections the plant likeย โPowdery Mildewโ, but good growing conditions and air flow can prevent this.
Aphids and Whiteflies are also major pests. Eucalyptus oil can work well as pest control.
Appearance
The flowers themselves can come in many different colours, usually ranging from pink, purple to white and yellow. The leaves and stem have a very distinct shade of lime green.
Miscellaneous information
Taxonomy: Order: Lamiales; Family Linderniaceae; Genus Torenia
Soil: Soil must be rich with organic matter, as well as moist. Loam is recommended.
Sun/Atmosphere: Partial shade and/or Full shade. The plants DO NOT like excessive humidity and heat. The best temperatures for the plants is 21-24C during the day, 18-20C at night.
Water: Moderate watering, whenever you see the soil dry, really.
Type: Annual, plant after spring when thereโs snowy winters.
