Overview of Anthemis secundiramea Biv.
Anthemis secundiramea Biv. is a species of flowering plant widely grown for its ornamental value. It is a part of the Asteraceae family, which makes it closely related to sunflowers and daisies. It is also commonly referred to as the Lesser chamomile or Rayless chamomile herb. The plant is native to Europe and Asia Minor and is extensively cultivated in various regions worldwide.
Appearance of Anthemis secundiramea Biv.
The plant is mounding, with branched stems which rise from the center of the plant and terminate in erect, leafy stems growing up to 30 cm tall. It has hairy, light green leaves which may be about 2.5 cm long, pinnately dissected with narrow, linear lobes, sometimes almost thread-like. It produces solitary, terminal flower heads without ray florets, up to 3 cm in diameter, having a broad yellow central disk of up to thirty hear-shaped, irregularly toothed or fringed petals. The flower heads are fragrant and bright yellow, developing in late spring and early summer.
Uses of Anthemis secundiramea Biv.
Lesser chamomile is agreat medicinal herb useful for treating different ailments such as gastrointestinal problems, anxiety, and insomnia. It contains essential oils, particularly chamazulene, both of which have antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties.
The plant is also ideal for planting in mediterranean gardens, rock gardens, and borders, but should be kept away from wet soil as they prefer full sun and a well-drained soil. Furthermore, the plant attracts birds, bees, and butterflies which aid in pollination and the beauty of a garden.
Finally, the essential oils extracted from Lesser chamomile are often used in cosmetic and fragrance production industries due to their aroma and flavorings. It is also a potentially potent natural insecticide.
Growth conditions for Anthemis secundiramea Biv.
Anthemis secundiramea Biv. is a Mediterranean plant that is commonly found in coastal areas. It is an annual or perennial plant, typically reaching a height of 20-50 cm and a spread of 10-20 cm. Below are some of the growth conditions required for the proper growth of this plant:
Light requirements
Anthemis secundiramea Biv. requires full sunlight to thrive. It can tolerate light shade but does best in direct sunlight. Therefore, it is best to plant it in a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight a day.
Temperature requirements
This plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it prefers warm to hot temperatures. A minimum temperature of 15°C is required for the proper growth of Anthemis secundiramea Biv. It is important to note that this plant cannot withstand frost and should be protected during cold weather.
Soil requirements
Anthemis secundiramea Biv. prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The ideal soil pH for this plant is between 6.5 and 7.5. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, it is important to ensure that the soil is not waterlogged as this may lead to root rot.
Overall, with the right growth conditions, Anthemis secundiramea Biv. can be a low-maintenance and attractive addition to any garden or landscape.
Cultivation
Anthemis secundiramea Biv. requires full sun exposure to grow and thrive. It is necessary to choose well-draining soil with a pH of 6 to 7.5. Make sure to remove weeds and add compost to enhance the soil's quality. Sow the seeds 1 cm deep in the soil and maintain a temperature of 15 to 20°C for better germination.
Watering needs
Water the plant on a regular basis, especially during the growing season. Ensure that the water reaches the roots and the topsoil, but do not make it water-logged. Over-watering may lead to root rot, so check the soil moisture level frequently. Reduce watering in winters but do not let the soil dry completely.
Fertilization
You can use a balanced fertilizer that contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for the plant's growth. Fertilize the plant every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Fertilizing the plant is essential to maintain its health and improve flowering.
Pruning
It's not necessary to prune Anthemis secundiramea Biv. regularly, but deadheading faded flowers can encourage new blooms. Do not cut the plant back too harshly as it can be detrimental, and always leave some foliage. The plant may require trimming in spring to remove any damaged or dead branches. Cut back the plant by one-third to maintain its shape and encourage new growth.
Propagation of Anthemis Secundiramea Biv.
Propagation of Anthemis secundiramea Biv. can be done through various methods such as seed propagation, stem cuttings and division of root clumps. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages and the chosen method should depend on the time of year, the required quantities, and the space available.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagation for Anthemis secundiramea Biv. is through seed propagation. The seeds are small and can be sown in the late summer or early autumn. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil and covered lightly with soil. The seeds require light to germinate so it is important not to bury them too deeply. Germination usually takes 2-3 weeks and the seedlings should be thinned out to prevent overcrowding.
Stem Cuttings
Propagation of Anthemis secundiramea Biv. can also be done through stem cuttings taken in early summer. The cuttings should be taken from healthy plants and should be around 5cm long. The lower leaves should be removed and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in well-draining soil. It is important to keep the soil moist and to avoid direct sunlight until the cuttings have rooted.
Division of Root Clumps
Another method of propagation for Anthemis secundiramea Biv. is through division of root clumps. This method is best done in the spring or autumn. The clumps should be dug up and carefully divided into smaller sections ensuring each section has roots attached. The sections should be replanted in well-drained soil and kept moist until they are established.
Propagation of Anthemis secundiramea Biv. can be successful with any of the methods described above. However, it is important to ensure that the plants are propagated in the correct conditions and that they are well looked after until they are established.
Disease and Pest Management for Anthemis secundiramea Biv.
Anthemsis secundiramea Biv., commonly known as Calves' pasture chamomile, is a beautiful annual plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. Native to Europe and Western Asia, the plant is widely popular for its beautiful flowers, which are used in the preparation of herbal teas and cosmetics. Despite being a hardy plant, Anthemis secundiramea Biv. is susceptible to several pests and diseases. Proper disease and pest management strategies can help reduce the risk of plant loss and ensure that the plant thrives.
Common Pests that Affect Anthemis secundiramea Biv.
Some of the common pests that affect Anthemis secundiramea Biv. include aphids, spider mites, and thrips. These pests feed on the plant sap, weakening the plant and causing stunted growth. They can also transmit viruses that can cause plant diseases. To manage these pests, it is essential to keep the plant healthy by watering it adequately and providing the right amount of nutrients. Adequate pruning and regular monitoring of the plant can help detect the pest infestations early on. Infested plants can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil, which are effective in controlling the pests without harming the plant.
Common Diseases that Affect Anthemis secundiramea Biv.
Anthemsis secundiramea Biv. is susceptible to several fungal diseases such as verticillium wilt, powdery mildew, and Botrytis blight. These diseases cause leaf spots, yellowing of leaves, wilting, and stunted growth of the plant. To manage these diseases, it is essential to ensure that the plant is not overwatered and that there is adequate air circulation around the plant. Infected leaves should be promptly removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the disease. Fungicides can also be applied to manage the diseases, but care must be taken to ensure that the fungicides are safe for the plant and do not cause harm.
