Origin
Boerhavia repens L. var. diffusa (L.) Hook.f. is a plant that belongs to the Nyctaginaceae family. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of America and can be found in various countries such as Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Argentina, and Bolivia.
Common Names
Boerhavia repens has several common names including hogweed, spreading hogweed, red spiderling, creeping boerhavia, and Tar Vine. In Mexico, it is known as "Papaloquelite" or "Verdolaga cimarrona".
Uses
Boerhavia repens has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Different parts of the plant are known to have various therapeutic properties. The leaves and stems are used to make a tea that is believed to help treat respiratory disorders, diarrhea, stomach problems, and to lower high blood pressure. The root is used as a diuretic and to treat bladder and kidney stones. The plant has also been used as a natural remedy to cure skin diseases and snake bites.
In addition to its medicinal uses, Boerhavia repens has been used as a vegetable in some parts of the world. The leaves are cooked and consumed like spinach, and the tender stems are used as a salad green. Furthermore, the plant has potential as an ornamental plant.
General Appearance
Boerhavia repens is a small creeping herbaceous plant that can grow up to 40 cm in length. It has thin reddish stems that spread over the ground, with widely spaced leaves that are oval-shaped and have a reddish tint. Its tiny flowers are pinkish-white and are clustered on long stalks that arise from the leaf axils. The fruit is a small capsule that contains two seeds. The plant thrives in moist areas and is often found growing along riverbanks, in fields, and waste areas.
Light Requirements
Boerhavia repens L. var. diffusa (L.) Hook.f. typically grows in areas with bright, direct sunlight. This plant requires at least 6-8 hours of sunlight a day to promote healthy growth and flowering. It is not recommended to grow this plant in areas with low light levels as this can cause the plant to become spindly and weak.
Temperature Requirements
Boerhavia repens L. var. diffusa (L.) Hook.f. is a warm-weather plant and it requires warm temperatures to grow properly. The plant prefers daytime temperatures between 25-30°C and nighttime temperatures between 20-25°C. It's not recommended to grow this plant in areas with temperatures below 15°C as it can result in stunted growth or plant death.
Soil Requirements
Boerhavia repens L. var. diffusa (L.) Hook.f. prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The plant can tolerate a wide range of pH levels but it grows best in neutral to slightly alkaline soils. It's important to avoid waterlogged soils as this can cause the roots to rot. The addition of organic materials such as compost or well-rotted manure can improve the soil's fertility and structure, promoting healthier plant growth.
Cultivation methods
The Boerhavia repens L. var. diffusa (L.) Hook.f. plant prefers warm weather and can grow well in tropical climates. It thrives in well-draining soils with a pH range of 6-7.5. This plant can be propagated through stem cuttings or seeds.
If you are planting seeds, prepare a potting mix with equal amounts of sand and compost with a small amount of vermiculite to improve drainage. Sow the seeds at a depth of 2-3 cm and maintain a consistent level of moisture.
If you are using stem cuttings, choose stem sections with at least three nodes and dip the cuttings into rooting hormone before planting them in the potting mix. Remember to maintain consistent moisture levels during the rooting process.
Watering Needs
The Boerhavia repens L. var. diffusa (L.) Hook.f. plant requires moderate watering to thrive. It is best to water the plant when the soil is dry to the touch and avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
During hot and dry weather, you may need to increase the frequency of watering to prevent the soil from drying out completely. It is also essential to water the plant at the base to avoid getting water on the leaves, which can lead to disease.
Fertilization
To promote healthy growth and flowering, it is recommended to fertilize the Boerhavia repens L. var. diffusa (L.) Hook.f. plant every 2-3 weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
The recommended dosage is one tablespoon of fertilizer per gallon of water. It is essential to avoid over-fertilizing the plant, as it can lead to salt buildup in the soil, which can harm the roots.
Pruning
The Boerhavia repens L. var. diffusa (L.) Hook.f. plant does not require extensive pruning, but you can pinch off the growing tips to promote bushier growth. It is essential to monitor the plant's growth and remove any dead or damaged leaves to prevent disease from spreading.
If the plant becomes too large or crowded, you can trim it back by up to one-third of its size in the early spring to encourage new growth.
Propagation of Boerhavia Repens L. var. Diffusa (L.) Hook.f.
Boerhavia Repens L. var. Diffusa (L.) Hook.f. is a perennial medicinal plant that belongs to the Nyctaginaceae family. It is commonly known as "Punarnava" and is distributed in tropical regions in Asia, Africa, and America.
Propagation Methods
The plant can be propagated through various methods such as seeds, stem cuttings, and division.
Propagation by Seeds
The seeds should be sown during the rainy season in the field or nursery. The optimal planting depth is 1-2 cm with a spacing of about 20-30 cm between plants. Germination should start within 10-20 days after sowing.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings can be taken from mature plants during the rainy season. The cuttings should be 15-20 cm long and have at least 4-5 nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in a rooting hormone before planting in the soil. The planting depth should be around 8-10 cm, and the spacing between plants should be 20-30 cm. Watering is required until the cutting establishes roots.
Propagation by Division
The plant can be propagated through division, where the mature plant is dug up, and the root clumps are divided into 2-3 portions. Each portion should have 2-3 stems and an adequate root system. The divided clumps should be immediately replanted in the field or pots, and watering is required until they establish roots.
In conclusion, Boerhavia Repens L. var. Diffusa (L.) Hook.f. is a versatile plant with several propagation methods. Farmers and gardeners can use their preferred propagation method to increase the plant's population and ensure a steady supply of its medicinal benefits.
Disease Management
Boerhavia repens L. var. diffusa (L.) Hook.f. is prone to various diseases that can harm the plant severely. Some of the common diseases that affect the plant include:
- Leaf spots: Leaf spots are caused by fungal pathogens, including Cercospora boerhaaviae, Phyllosticta boerhaaviae, and Septoria boerhaaviae. The infected leaves develop small spots that eventually grow larger and turn brown, leading to leaf drop and defoliation. To manage leaf spots, it's advisable to remove and destroy the infected leaves and use fungicides.
- Root rot: Root rot is a severe disease caused by soil-borne fungi, including Phytophthora and Rhizoctonia. The roots of the infected plant rot and become mushy, leading to reduced water and nutrient uptake. To manage root rot, ensure proper soil drainage and avoid overwatering the plant.
- Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is caused by the fungus Erysiphe cichoracearum and appears as a white powdery growth on the leaves and stems of the plant. It leads to distorted growth and stunted development. To manage powdery mildew, use fungicides and avoid overcrowding the plants.
Pest Management
Another challenge that Boerhavia repens L. var. diffusa (L.) Hook.f. faces is pest invasion. Some of the most common pests that attack the plant include:
- Aphids: Aphids are small insects that suck the sap from the leaves, stems, and flowers. They weaken the plant and cause stunted growth and deformation. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil and introduce natural predators like ladybugs.
- Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that attack the leaves of the plant, causing them to turn yellow and dry out. They thrive in dry and dusty conditions. To manage spider mites, use insecticidal soap and increase humidity around the plant.
- Thrips: Thrips are tiny insects that feed on the plant's sap, causing distortion and reduction in size of all parts of the plant. Thrips can also transmit plant viruses. To manage thrips, use insecticidal soap and remove all infected plants to reduce the spread of viruses.
