Overview of Boerhavia repens L. subsp. viscosa (Choisy) Maire
Boerhavia repens L. subsp. viscosa (Choisy) Maire, commonly known as sticky spiderling, sprawling spiderling, or creeping spiderling, is a herbaceous plant species that belongs to the family Nyctaginaceae. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, the Americas, and Southeast Asia.
General Appearance of Boerhavia repens L. subsp. viscosa (Choisy) Maire
Boerhavia repens L. subsp. viscosa (Choisy) Maire is an annual or perennial plant that can grow up to 50 cm in height. It has a prostrate or creeping stem that is supported by small roots at the nodes. The stem is covered with glandular hairs, which make it sticky to the touch. The leaves are small, ovate, and alternate along the stem. They are covered with glandular hairs and have a slightly succulent texture. The flowers of the plant are small, pink, and arranged in clusters at the ends of the stem. They have five petal-like sepals and no petals. The fruit is a capsule that contains one to four seeds.
Uses of Boerhavia repens L. subsp. viscosa (Choisy) Maire
Boerhavia repens L. subsp. viscosa (Choisy) Maire has been traditionally used as a medicinal plant in different parts of the world. The plant contains various phytochemicals, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenoids, that have been reported to possess various pharmacological activities. It has been used in the treatment of various ailments, such as fever, diabetes, hypertension, and inflammation. The plant has also been used as a food source, especially in Africa, where the leaves and young shoots are cooked and eaten as a vegetable.
Aside from its medicinal and culinary uses, Boerhavia repens L. subsp. viscosa (Choisy) Maire has also been found to have other applications. The sticky hairs on the stem and leaves of the plant have been used as a natural adhesive for trapping insects. It has also been found to possess pesticidal properties, making it a potential alternative to synthetic pesticides.
Light Requirements
Boerhavia repens L. subsp. viscosa (Choisy) Maire can grow well in full sunlight or partial shade. However, they grow best in areas where they can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. In low light conditions, the plant may grow but will have weaker stems and fewer flowers.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species thrives in warm to hot climates, but can also tolerate mild frost. The optimal temperature range for Boerhavia repens L. subsp. viscosa (Choisy) Maire growth is between 20-30 degrees Celsius. If temperatures drop below 10°C, growth may slow down and even stop entirely.
Soil Requirements
Boerhavia repens L. subsp. viscosa (Choisy) Maire prefers well-drained, fertile soils with a pH range of 5.5-8.5. The plant can also tolerate slightly saline soils and soils with low-nutrient levels. However, soils that are too acidic or have poor drainage can stunt growth and lead to root rot.
It's important to note that this plant species can be found in a wide range of soil types, from sandy to clay-loam soils. Adequate moisture is also crucial for this plant, as it doesn't tolerate drought well.
Cultivation Methods
Boerhavia repens L. subsp. viscosa (Choisy) Maire is a hardy plant that is easy to cultivate, making it a low-maintenance addition to your garden. It prefers well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. The best time to plant this plant is in the spring after the threat of frost has passed.
The plant requires at least six hours of full sun each day. When planting, make sure to space the plants at least one foot apart to allow for growth. It can be planted from seeds or cuttings, and it is a relatively fast grower.
Watering Needs
Although Boerhavia repens L. subsp. viscosa (Choisy) Maire is drought-tolerant and can survive in dry conditions, it is necessary to keep it consistently moist during the growing season. Water the plants deeply once a week, providing enough water to reach the plant's root system. Be careful not to overwater, as this can cause root rot.
Fertilization
Boerhavia repens L. subsp. viscosa (Choisy) Maire requires a moderate source of nutrients. You should fertilize the plant every two to three months with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Avoid using too much nitrogen, as this can cause excessive foliage growth and reduce flowering.
Pruning
Boerhavia repens L. subsp. viscosa (Choisy) Maire does not require extensive pruning, but you should remove any dead or damaged leaves regularly. You can also trim the plant to maintain its shape and encourage new growth. Pruning should be done during the growing season, and any heavy pruning should be done in the spring.
Propagation of Boerhavia repens L. subsp. viscosa (Choisy) Maire
Boerhavia repens L. subsp. viscosa (Choisy) Maire is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Nyctaginaceae family. The propagation of this plant can be done through various methods, which include:
Seed Propagation
The use of seeds is one of the easiest ways to propagate Boerhavia repens L. subsp. viscosa (Choisy) Maire. The seeds can be obtained from mature and healthy plants. The seeds are sown in a fertile, well-drained soil and covered with a thin layer of soil. The soil is kept moist and the seeds will germinate within two weeks.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation is another method that can be used to propagate Boerhavia repens L. subsp. viscosa (Choisy) Maire. The cuttings are taken from healthy and mature plants and planted in a mixture of sand and peat moss. The cutting is dipped in rooting hormone and planted in the potting mixture. The cuttings are kept in a moist, shaded area until they form roots. This method of propagation is faster than seed propagation as the cuttings will root within one month.
Division Propagation
Division propagation is another method that can be used to propagate Boerhavia repens L. subsp. viscosa (Choisy) Maire. This method involves dividing the plant into smaller sections, which are then replanted in a different location. The plant is dug up and the root ball is divided into smaller sections. Each section should have roots and stems. The sections are then planted in a fertile, well-drained soil and kept moist until they are established.
Disease Management
There are a few diseases that may affect Boerhavia repens L. subsp. viscosa (Choisy) Maire, including:
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes circular brown spots on the plant's leaves. To manage, remove and destroy infected leaves and ensure plants have adequate airflow and spacing.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by a fungus that attacks the plant's roots, causing them to rot and the plant to wilt. To manage, avoid overwatering and ensure proper drainage. Fungicides may also be used as a preventative measure.
Pest Management
There are a few pests that may affect Boerhavia repens L. subsp. viscosa (Choisy) Maire, including:
- Aphids: These small insects feed on the plant's sap and can cause stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. To manage, wash plants with a stream of water to remove aphids or use insecticidal soap.
- Leaf miners: The larvae of certain flies, leaf miners cause whitish or yellowish trails on the plant's leaves. To manage, remove and destroy infected leaves, or use insecticides as a last resort.
In general, promoting healthy plant growth is the key to preventing and managing diseases and pests in Boerhavia repens L. subsp. viscosa (Choisy) Maire. This can be achieved through proper watering, fertilizing, and pruning practices, as well as regularly scouting for signs of problems.
