Origin:
Arctostaphylos canescens Eastw. ssp. malloryi W. Knight & Gankin, commonly known as Mallory's manzanita, is a plant species that is endemic to the southern California region of the United States. It is found mainly in the high-altitude chaparral and coniferous forests of the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains.
Common Names:
In addition to Mallory's manzanita, this plant may also be referred to as Mojave-Manzanita, Mallory's Bearberry, and San Gabriel Mountain Manzanita.
Appearance:
Mallory's manzanita is a small, evergreen shrub that can grow up to 3 meters tall. It is distinguished by its twisted and gnarled trunk, small green leaves, and pale gray bark. The flowers are often pink to white and come in small clusters. The fruits are small, reddish-brown berries that are sweet and edible.
Uses:
The Mallory's manzanita plant has several ecological and ethnobotanical uses. It is an important part of the ecosystem, providing food and shelter for birds and other animals. The berries are also a food source for humans. Additionally, the plant has been used for medicinal purposes by indigenous communities, who made tea from the leaves and bark for sore throats and coughs.
Light Requirements
The Arctostaphylos canescens Eastw. ssp. malloryi plant prefers full sun exposure, which means it requires at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. The plant can tolerate partial shade, but it may impact the quality of its growth.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers a Mediterranean-type climate, which means it thrives in a climate with a warm and dry summer and mild and wet winter. It can withstand temperatures as low as 20°F but thrives in temperatures between 50-90°F.
Soil Requirements
The Arctostaphylos canescens Eastw. ssp. malloryi plant requires well-draining soil, which means the soil should be able to retain moisture but not waterlogged. It prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH level of 5.5 to 6.5. Additionally, the plant prefers a sandy or loamy soil type that is rich in nutrients.
Cultivation Methods
The Arctostaphylos canescens Eastw. ssp. malloryi W. Knight & Gankin plant is commonly known as 'Mallory's manzanita' and belongs to the Ericaceae family. This plant typically grows in sandy or rocky soils and requires minimal drip irrigation.
To cultivate this plant, choose a well-draining location with full sun exposure. The plant root balls should be directly planted into the ground without disturbing its native roots.
Since this plant is a species of the California Native Plant Society's Calscape program, it is highly recommended to obtain and plant from a native plant nursery.
Watering Needs
Arctostaphylos canescens Eastw. ssp. malloryi W. Knight & Gankin plants generally need very little watering once they are established. These plants are drought-tolerant and can survive on natural rainfall.
When newly planted, ensure that the soil is moist by lightly watering the plant once or twice a week. Once established, this plant requires very little watering, only when necessary during extremely prolonged drought periods.
Fertilization
Arctostaphylos canescens Eastw. ssp. malloryi W. Knight & Gankin plants do not require regular fertilization. Unnecessary fertilization can lead to increased amounts of foliage and decreased amounts of flowering.
If it is necessary to fertilize the plant, use an all-purpose fertilizer in small quantities to maintain an appropriate amount of growth.
Pruning
Pruning helps to control the size and shape of Arctostaphylos canescens Eastw. ssp. malloryi W. Knight & Gankin plants. This plant should be pruned lightly during winter after the flowering season to remove any damaged or dead branches.
When pruning, cut the branches at an angle, closer to the main stem, to avoid leaving exposed stubs. If left, these stubs can become a breeding ground for disease and pests.
It is recommended to avoid excessive pruning of this plant, as it can limit the plant's natural and graceful form.
Propagation of Arctostaphylos canescens Eastw. ssp. malloryi W. Knight & Gankin
Arctostaphylos canescens Eastw. ssp. malloryi W. Knight & Gankin, commonly known as 'Mallory's manzanita,' can be propagated both through seeds and vegetative methods.
Propagation by seeds
The seeds of Arctostaphylos canescens Eastw. ssp. malloryi W. Knight & Gankin need to be exposed to cold stratification to break their dormancy. They can be stratified in a moist medium at a temperature of around 41°F for 60-120 days. Once they have been stratified, they can be sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until they germinate. However, seed propagation is not the most reliable method, as it can result in variable offspring and low germination rates.
Propagation by cuttings
Vegetative propagation of Arctostaphylos canescens Eastw. ssp. malloryi W. Knight & Gankin is a more viable method. Young, softwood cuttings should be collected during the active growth period and treated with a rooting hormone. The cuttings can then be planted in a well-draining soil mix, misted regularly, and kept in a humid environment until new roots and leaves form. Hardwood cuttings can also be taken during the dormant period, although they may be slower to root.
In conclusion, Arctostaphylos canescens Eastw. ssp. malloryi W. Knight & Gankin can be propagated through seeds or vegetative methods such as cuttings. While seed propagation is possible, it can result in low germination rates and variable offspring. Therefore, vegetative propagation through cuttings is the preferred method for reproducing this plant.
Disease Management
Arctostaphylos canescens Eastw. ssp. malloryi W. Knight & Gankin is susceptible to various diseases that can affect its growth and productivity. One of the common diseases that affect this plant is leaf spot which is caused by the fungus Phyllosticta. This disease causes circular or irregular brown spots on the leaves, and in severe cases, it can lead to defoliation of the plant. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove and destroy infected leaves as soon as they are noticed. Also, maintaining proper sanitation practices such as cleaning pruning tools and avoiding overhead irrigation can help prevent the spread of the disease.
Another disease that affects A. canescens ssp. malloryi is root rot which is caused by the soil-borne fungus Phytophthora. This disease can cause the roots to become brown and mushy, leading to stunted growth, wilting, and eventually death of the plant. To manage this disease, it is essential to ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering. Also, planting the plant in well-drained soils and avoiding planting in areas with a history of the disease can help prevent infection.
Pest Management
Aside from diseases, there are also several pests that can affect the growth of A. canescens ssp. malloryi. One of the common pests is spider mites which are tiny arachnids that feed on the plant's sap, causing yellowing and stippling of the leaves. To manage this pest, it is recommended to increase humidity around the plant by misting its leaves and avoiding dry conditions. Additionally, removing severely infested leaves can also help control the population of spider mites.
Another pest that can affect A. canescens ssp. malloryi is the western pine shoot borer which causes damage to new shoots, leading to stunted growth and death of the plant. To manage this pest, it is recommended to prune and destroy infested branches as soon as they are noticed. Also, planting resistant varieties and avoiding planting in areas with a history of the pest can help prevent infestation.
