General Description
Blumea axillaris (Lam.) DC. is a perennial herb that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It grows up to 1-2 meters tall and has a spreading habit. The stems are woody, slender, and are covered with white, matted hairs. The leaves are simple, alternate, and lanceolate. They are 4 to 10 cm long and 1.5 to 2.5 cm wide. The flowers are small, yellow, and are arranged in numerous small heads, which are grouped into large terminal panicles.
Origin and Distribution
Blumea axillaris is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, including India, China, Indonesia, and Malaysia. It is commonly found in wastelands, fields, and along roadsides. It can also grow in moist and shady areas, such as forests and streambanks.
Common Names
Blumea axillaris is commonly known as Indian fleabane, bitter button, John's bitter button, and sticky-heads. It is also called as katamanak in Hindi and karpoora ajwain in Tamil.
Uses
Blumea axillaris has been used medicinally in traditional systems of medicine. In Ayurveda, it is used for various ailments such as cough, bronchitis, asthma, dyspnea, and fever. The plant extracts are known to have antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties. Some studies have also shown that the extracts can potentially be used in the treatment of cancer.
The leaves of Blumea axillaris are also used as a natural insecticide. They are crushed and rubbed on the skin to repel mosquitoes and other insects. The plant is also used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat skin diseases, back pain, and abdominal pain.
In addition to its medicinal uses, the plant also has some other uses. The flowers of Blumea axillaris are used to make garlands and are sometimes used in religious ceremonies. The plant is also grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks.
Growth Conditions for Blumea axillaris (Lam.) DC.
Blumea axillaris (Lam.) DC. is a perennial herb that belongs to the Asteraceae family and is widely found in the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia. This plant prefers to grow in areas where there is abundant water supply and high humidity.
Light Requirements
Blumea axillaris (Lam.) DC. prefers to grow in full sunlight or partial shade. The plant requires at least six hours of sunlight daily for optimal growth. However, excessive exposure to sunlight can result in leaf scorching and stunted growth. In areas with intense sunlight, it is recommended to provide shade or filter the sunlight to protect the plant.
Temperature Requirements
Blumea axillaris (Lam.) DC. grows well in temperatures between 20°C to 35°C, although it can tolerate temperatures up to 40°C. The plant does not tolerate frost, and temperatures below 10°C can be fatal to the plant. In cooler climates, it is recommended to grow the plant indoors or in a greenhouse where temperatures can be controlled.
Soil Requirements
Blumea axillaris (Lam.) DC. prefers well-drained soils rich in organic matter. The plant can grow in a wide range of soils that are slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.5). However, the plant does not grow well in waterlogged soils, and poor drainage can result in root rot. Regular soil amendment with compost or well-rotted manure can improve soil fertility and enhance plant growth.
Cultivation Method
Blumea axillaris (Lam.) DC. is an easy-to-grow plant that thrives in well-drained soil and full sun. It is a hardy plant that can withstand harsh weather conditions such as drought. The plant can be grown directly from seeds or propagated through stem cuttings.
Watering Needs
The watering needs of Blumea axillaris (Lam.) DC. are moderate. The plant should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can cause root rot, while underwatering can cause the plant to wilt and dry up. Watering should be done early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid losing moisture through evaporation during the hot daytime temperatures.
Fertilization
Blumea axillaris (Lam.) DC. is not a heavy feeder and requires minimal fertilization. A balanced fertilizer can be applied once a month during the growing season to boost growth and flowering. Over-fertilization should be avoided as it can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers. Organic fertilizers such as well-decomposed compost and manure are ideal for Blumea axillaris (Lam.) DC. as they provide both nutrients and improve soil structure.
Pruning
Pruning is not mandatory for Blumea axillaris (Lam.) DC., but it can help keep the plant looking neat and prevent it from becoming too tall. Any dead or diseased branches should be pruned off immediately to avoid the spread of disease to other parts of the plant. Pruning can also be done to encourage bushier growth and induce the development of more flowers. The best time to prune Blumea axillaris (Lam.) DC. is after flowering has ended, as this allows enough time for new growth to appear before the next flowering season.
Propagation of Blumea axillaris (Lam.) DC.
Blumea axillaris (Lam.) DC. is a perennial medicinal plant used in traditional medicine. It can be propagated by both sexual and asexual means. The following are the most common propagation methods:
Seed propagation
The plant produces tiny seeds that can be collected from mature flower heads. The seeds are then sown in soil, typically in seed trays, and kept in a warm and humid environment. Germination occurs within a few weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted to individual pots once they have grown large enough.
Cutting propagation
Cuttings are a common method of propagation for Blumea axillaris (Lam.) DC. Cuttings of stem tips or leaves are taken from the parent plant and then planted in a mixture of soil and sand. The cuttings are then kept under high humidity and warm conditions until they start to root. After about 4-6 weeks, the cuttings can be transplanted to individual pots.
Division propagation
Division is a propagation method that works well for mature plants. The parent plant is carefully dug up and the root system is divided into several parts. Each part should have some stems and leaves attached to it. The divided plants are then transplanted into individual pots and kept in a warm and humid environment until they have established new roots.
Air layering propagation
Air layering is a propagation method that involves creating a small wound in the stem of the parent plant, which is then covered with soil or moss. The wound will produce roots over a few weeks, and once they have established, the stem can be cut off and planted in a pot. This method tends to be slower than other propagation methods but can produce multiple plants from a single parent.
Disease Management for Blumea axillaris
Blumea axillaris is susceptible to various diseases such as powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot. Regular inspection of the plant is essential to detect the diseases early. Any infected leaves or stems should be removed and destroyed immediately to prevent the spread of the disease to healthy parts of the plant.
Preventive measures such as providing adequate spacing between plants to ensure adequate air circulation, and watering the plant at the base rather than from above, can help prevent fungus-related diseases such as powdery mildew and leaf spot.
In severe cases, chemical fungicides can be used according to the manufacturer's instructions. However, caution should be exercised to avoid environmental contamination and toxicity to beneficial insects and organisms.
Pest Management for Blumea axillaris
Blumea axillaris can also be attacked by several pests such as aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. These pests can damage the plant by sucking sap from the leaves, leading to wilting, yellowing, and eventually death of the plant.
Mechanical control measures such as handpicking the insects or wiping the leaves with a wet cloth can be effective in controlling the pest population. Predatory insects such as ladybugs and lacewings can also be introduced to the garden to help manage the pest population.
Chemical insecticides should be used only as a last resort, and only after other alternative measures have failed. Pesticides should be used according to the manufacturer's instructions and safety precautions should be taken to avoid environmental contamination and toxicity to beneficial insects and organisms.
