Boerhavia coccinea Mill. var. pubescens (Choisy) Cufod.
Boerhavia coccinea Mill. var. pubescens, also known by its common name Red Spiderling, is a perennial herbaceous plant that is native to North and South America, including Mexico, Brazil, and Florida. It belongs to the family Nyctaginaceae and is commonly found in sandy soil, grasslands, and along roadsides.
General Appearance
The plant grows up to 60cm in height and has a thick underground root. Its stem is cylindrical, green in color, and covered with tiny hairs. Its leaves are small and ovate, with a length of 1-3cm, and are arranged alternately on the stem. Its flowers are a bright red color, small and clustered at the end of each stem, and appear throughout the year.
Common Uses
The Red Spiderling is widely used for its medicinal properties. Its root and leaves contain alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins that exhibit anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial properties. Its extract is used to relieve pain, reduce swelling, treat skin infections, and improve digestive functioning. In addition, the plant is also used in traditional medicine to treat urinary disorders, fever, and respiratory problems.
The plant is also grown as an ornamental plant for its bright red flowers that add color to gardens. Its flowers are also used in traditional ceremonies and decorations in some cultures.
Cultural Significance
The Red Spiderling has some cultural significance in certain communities. In Mexico, it is known as "Paico" and is used in traditional ceremonies during the Day of the Dead. It is believed to have spiritual and healing properties and is offered as a gift to ancestors. In some Native American cultures, the plant is used in rituals and ceremonies to symbolize balance and harmony.
Light Requirements
Boerhavia coccinea Mill. var. pubescens (Choisy) Cufod. requires full sunlight to grow and develop. The plant cannot tolerate shade or partial sunlight. It is therefore essential to plant the species in areas that receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows well in warm temperate and tropical climates with temperatures ranging between 20-35°C. It cannot tolerate frost and extremely cold temperatures. The ideal temperatures for the plant range between 25-30°C, which promote faster growth and development.
Soil Requirements
Boerhavia coccinea Mill. var. pubescens (Choisy) Cufod. thrives in well-draining soils with good fertility and organic matter content. The soil pH should range between 6.0-7.5. The plant cannot tolerate waterlogged or acidic soils. It is also best to plant the species in sandy or loamy soils that are rich in nutrients and allow for easy root penetration.
Cultivation Methods
Boerhavia coccinea Mill. var. pubescens (Choisy) Cufod. is a perennial plant that grows well in regions with tropical and subtropical climates. It is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in well-draining soils that receive regular sunshine. Before planting, the soil should be tilled, and all weeds and grasses removed.
The plant can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. If using seeds, they should be sown in the early spring. When using stem cuttings, they should be taken from healthy plants and planted in a well-prepared medium.
Watering Needs
Watering frequency will depend on the climate and the planting environment. Typically, Boerhavia coccinea requires moderate watering. The soil should be allowed to dry slightly between watering. In wet regions, watering may need to be reduced to prevent root rot. In regions with dry climates, the plant may need more frequent watering.
Fertilization
Boerhavia coccinea grows well in soil with adequate nutrients and will not typically require fertilization. However, if your soil is poor, a slow-release fertilizer can help improve growth. Fertilizer should be applied in the early spring or late winter and can be reapplied if necessary after six months.
Pruning
Boerhavia coccinea is not a plant that needs significant pruning. However, dead flowers and leaves should be removed to allow new growth to bloom. If the plant is getting too tall or spreading too far, it can be trimmed back as needed.
Propagation of Boerhavia coccinea Mill. var. pubescens (Choisy) Cufod.
Boerhavia coccinea Mill. var. pubescens (Choisy) Cufod. can reproduce through seeds or cuttings.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Boerhavia coccinea Mill. var. pubescens (Choisy) Cufod. are small and should be sown in well-draining soil. The optimum temperature of soil for germination is around 25°C. Seeds often begin to germinate within a week or two. After emergence, the young seedlings can be transplanted to larger containers or directly in the ground.
Cutting Propagation
Boerhavia coccinea Mill. var. pubescens (Choisy) Cufod. can also be propagated through cuttings. It is best to use cuttings taken from young and healthy plants. The cuttings should have a length of at least 10 cm and should be taken from the tip of the stem. The leaves in the lower part of the cutting should be removed and the stem then inserted into a pot of wet sand or any other rooting medium. The pot should be kept shaded and the soil should remain moist until roots appear, usually in three to four weeks. Once fully rooted, the cuttings can be potted or transplanted to the ground.
Disease management
Boerhavia coccinea Mill. var. pubescens is susceptible to several diseases, including:
Leaf spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes circular to irregular-shaped spots on the leaves, which may merge or cause defoliation. To manage leaf spot, it is recommended to remove and destroy infected leaves, practice proper sanitation, and apply a fungicide following label instructions.
Rust
Rust is a fungal disease that causes yellow-orange pustules on leaves, stems, and flowers. Severe rust infection can cause plant deformation, reduced growth, and defoliation. To manage rust, it is recommended to remove and destroy infected plant parts, practice proper sanitation, and apply a fungicide following label instructions.
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes sunken lesions on leaves, stems, and flowers, which may turn dark and cause defoliation. To manage anthracnose, it is recommended to remove and destroy infected plant parts, practice proper sanitation, and apply a fungicide following label instructions.
Pest management
Boerhavia coccinea Mill. var. pubescens may be affected by several pests, including:
Aphids
Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can cause plant deformation, stunted growth, and leaf curling. To manage aphids, it is recommended to spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil following label instructions.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies and can eat large amounts of foliage, causing significant damage to the plant. To manage caterpillars, it is recommended to manually remove them or spray the plant with Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) following label instructions.
Spider mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that suck sap from the plant, causing leaves to turn yellow and fall off. To manage spider mites, it is recommended to spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil following label instructions.
