Overview
Braya alpina Sternb. & Hoppe var. glabella (Richards.) S. Wats., commonly known as smooth-leafed crucifer, is a type of plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It is a low-growing and perennial herb that is found in the Arctic and alpine regions of North America, Greenland, and Eurasia.
Common Names
Braya alpina Sternb. & Hoppe var. glabella is known by several common names, including:
- Smooth-leafed crucifer
- Glabrous braya
- Glistening rockcress
Uses
The smooth-leafed crucifer is used for various medicinal purposes by the indigenous people living in the Arctic. It is said to have analgesic, antifungal, and antiviral properties and can be used to treat sore throats, coughs, and colds. In addition to its medicinal properties, the plant is also used as a source of food by the Inuit people. The leaves of the plant are said to contain high levels of vitamin C and can be eaten raw or cooked as a vegetable.
General Appearance
The smooth-leafed crucifer is a low-growing and perennial herb that typically grows up to 5 cm tall. It has glossy leaves that are oblong in shape and measure about 1-3 cm long and 0.5-1 cm wide. The leaves are glabrous, meaning they lack any visible hairs or fuzz. The flowers of the plant are small and white and typically have four petals. The fruits are long and slender capsules that contain several seeds. The plant typically grows in rocky, alpine environments and can tolerate cold temperatures and harsh weather conditions.
Light Requirements
Braya alpina Sternb. & Hoppe var. glabella prefers full sun to partial shade. It thrives in bright, direct sunlight and needs at least 6 hours of sun exposure daily for optimum growth.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is adapted to cold temperatures and can tolerate frosty conditions. It grows best in an environment with a cool climate. The optimal temperature range for Braya alpina var. glabella is between 0 and 10 degrees Celsius.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soils that are moist and slightly acidic. It requires nutrient-rich soils either from organic matter or chemical fertilizers. Alkaline soils are unsuitable for its growth. The ideal soil pH range for Braya alpina var. glabella is between 5.0 and 6.5.
Cultivation Methods for Braya alpina Sternb. & Hoppe var. glabella (Richards.) S. Wats.
Braya alpina Sternb. & Hoppe var. glabella (Richards.) S. Wats. is a high altitude plant that is known to thrive in harsh and extreme conditions. Under cultivation, it requires care that mimics its natural habitat. The plant can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. To propagate from seeds, then they need to be sown in moist soil and covered with a thin layer of soil. The soil should be kept moist for a few weeks until the seeds start to germinate.
The plant prefers to grow in well-draining soil. It is important to ensure the soil is not waterlogged, as the plant does not tolerate waterlogging. The pH levels of the soil should be between 5.0 to 7.5. The plant prefers full sun, but it can still grow in partial shade. In areas with hot summers, the plant prefers to grow in shaded areas to avoid the scorching sun.
Watering Needs of Braya alpina Sternb. & Hoppe var. glabella (Richards.) S. Wats.
The Braya alpina Sternb. & Hoppe var. glabella (Richards.) S. Wats. plant requires moderate watering. The plant is adapted to the harsh environment of the high altitude, and it has a shallow root system. Overwatering the plant can lead to rotting of the roots. The plant can tolerate periods of drought, and it is important to allow the soil to dry out between watering. The best watering method is the drip irrigation method, as it ensures the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization of Braya alpina Sternb. & Hoppe var. glabella (Richards.) S. Wats.
The Braya alpina Sternb. & Hoppe var. glabella (Richards.) S. Wats. plant is a light feeder. Fertilization should be done sparingly, and the best time to fertilize the plant is during the growing season. The ideal fertilizer for the plant is a slow-release fertilizer with a low nitrogen content. Nitrogen-rich fertilizers can lead to excessive growth, which can cause the plant to be susceptible to diseases. Compost can also be used to fertilize the plant, although it is important to ensure that the compost is well-rotted to avoid the risk of introducing diseases and pests.
Pruning of Braya alpina Sternb. & Hoppe var. glabella (Richards.) S. Wats.
Pruning is not necessary for the Braya alpina Sternb. & Hoppe var. glabella (Richards.) S. Wats. plant. The plant grows slowly and does not have a tendency to become leggy. However, it is important to remove any dead or damaged leaves to promote the growth of healthy foliage. Additionally, removing spent flowers can help to encourage the plant to produce more flowers.
Propagation of Braya Alpina Sternb. & Hoppe var. Glabella (Richards.) S. Wats.
Braya Alpina Sternb. & Hoppe var. Glabella (Richards.) S. Wats., also known as Smooth Rockcress, is a hardy perennial plant that is commonly found in alpine and arctic regions. This plant can be propagated through various methods, including seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method used to propagate Braya Alpina Sternb. & Hoppe var. Glabella (Richards.) S. Wats. The seeds are typically collected in late summer or early fall when the seed pods have turned brown. The seeds should be cleaned and stored in a cool, dry location until planting time in the spring.
The seeds should be sown thinly in a seed tray filled with a well-draining, fertile soil. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, and placed in a location with a consistent temperature of around 15-20°C. The germination period is approximately two to four weeks. Once the seedlings have emerged, they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is another method used to propagate Braya Alpina Sternb. & Hoppe var. Glabella (Richards.) S. Wats. This method involves taking cuttings from the parent plant and rooting them into new plants.
To take cuttings, select healthy, disease-free shoots from the parent plant. The cuttings should be taken in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. The cuttings should be approximately 5-10 cm long and taken from the tip of the stem.
Remove the lower leaves from the cutting and dip the end of the cutting in rooting hormone. Insert the cutting into a well-draining, moist growing medium, and cover with plastic to maintain humidity. Place the cutting in a shaded location with a consistent temperature of 15-20°C. Roots should begin to develop within three to six weeks.
Both seed propagation and vegetative propagation can be effective methods for propagating Braya Alpina Sternb. & Hoppe var. Glabella (Richards.) S. Wats. With the right care and attention, these methods can produce healthy plants that are well-suited to their alpine and arctic environments.
Disease Management for Braya alpina Sternb. & Hoppe var. glabella (Richards.) S. Wats.
Braya alpina Sternb. & Hoppe var. glabella (Richards.) S. Wats. is a type of alpine plant that is known for its hardiness and ability to thrive in harsh conditions. However, like all plants, it is susceptible to diseases that can cause health problems and decrease yield. The following are some of the most common diseases that can affect Braya alpina and ways to manage them:
Fungal Diseases
Fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew and white mold, can affect Braya alpina. To manage fungal diseases, it is important to maintain good plant hygiene and prevent moisture from accumulating around the plant. This can be achieved by planting Braya alpina in well-drained soil and ensuring that there is proper air circulation between the plants. In cases of severe fungal infections, it may be necessary to use a fungicide.
Viral Diseases
Viral diseases, such as mosaic virus, can also affect Braya alpina. There is no cure for viral diseases once a plant has been infected, but they can be prevented by using disease-free seeds and plants and maintaining good plant hygiene. It is also important to prevent the spread of viral diseases by avoiding contact with infected plants and tools.
Pest Management for Braya alpina Sternb. & Hoppe var. glabella (Richards.) S. Wats.
Aside from diseases, Braya alpina can also be affected by pests that can damage the plant and decrease yield. The following are some of the most common pests that can affect Braya alpina and ways to manage them:
Aphids
Aphids are insects that can suck the sap from Braya alpina and cause stunted growth and decreased yield. To manage aphids, it is important to use insect-resistant varieties of Braya alpina and to employ natural predators, such as ladybugs and lacewings, to control the population. In cases of severe infestation, it may be necessary to use an insecticidal soap.
Thrips
Thrips are tiny insects that feed on the flowers and leaves of Braya alpina, causing discoloration and deformation. To manage thrips, it is important to maintain good plant hygiene and to use sticky traps and beneficial insects, such as predatory mites and thrips-eating insects to control the population. It may also be necessary to use an insecticide in cases of severe infestation.
Slugs and Snails
Slugs and snails are pests that can damage the foliage and flowers of Braya alpina by feeding on them. To manage slugs and snails, it is important to remove debris and any other hiding places around the plant and to use physical barriers, such as copper tape and slug pellets, to prevent them from crawling up the stem. It is also possible to use natural predators, such as ground beetles and toads, to control the population.
