Overview
Braya humilis (C.A. Mey.) B.L. Robins. ssp. abbei Böcher, also known simply as Braya humilis, is a low-growing plant species belonging to the Brassicaceae family. It is commonly known as Abbetorpak in Greenland and Arctic Rockcress in English.
Origin
Braya humilis is a circumpolar plant species found in the Arctic regions of North America, Greenland, and Northern Europe. It is commonly found in rocky and gravelly areas, and on coastal cliffs.
Appearance
The plant is quite small, reaching a maximum height of 5 cm. It has a basal rosette of leaves, which are generally hairy and small, ranging from 0.5-1.5 cm in length. The plant produces small, white flowers with four petals and four sepals, which are arranged in a loose raceme at the top of a stem. The fruit is a small, round, and flattened silique, which contains the seeds.
Uses
Braya humilis has been traditionally used by the indigenous people of the Arctic for medicinal purposes, particularly for treating stomach ailments. The plant is also used as a food source by grazing animals such as caribou and muskoxen.
Light
Braya humilis ssp. abbei requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It thrives well in areas with bright light conditions and may not do well when grown in shaded areas. The plant needs about 6-8 hours of full sun per day for healthy growth.
Temperature
This plant species is known to grow best in cold environments with temperatures ranging from -10 to 10°C. It has a high tolerance to frost and can withstand freezing temperatures of up to -40°C. It requires a chilling period of about 2-3 months and is known to do well in the fall, winter, and early spring. Temperatures that are too high will cause the plant to develop poorly and may even be fatal.
Soil Requirements
Braya humilis ssp. abbei prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The plant grows best in a soil pH ranging from 5.0 to 8.0. High levels of soil salinity can be detrimental to the plant as it cannot tolerate high salt concentrations. The soil should be relatively moist, but not waterlogged as waterlogged soils can cause root rot and other diseases. Additionally, the plant requires good soil aeration and does not do well when grown in compacted soils.
Cultivation Methods
Braya humilis ssp. abbei requires a fertile, well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to grow optimally. A sunny or partially shaded spot in the garden is ideal for the plant. It is best to plant it in the spring or fall after the danger of frost has passed. Sow the seeds about 1/4 inch deep and keep the soil moist until germination occurs. Once the plants are established, they can be transplanted to a permanent location.
Watering Needs
Braya humilis ssp. abbei prefers evenly moist soil, but it is crucial not to overwater the plant. Water it only when the soil feels dry to the touch. The frequency of watering depends on the temperature, humidity, and the size of the plant.
Fertilization
Braya humilis ssp. abbei is not a heavy feeder, so you can fertilize it moderately using a balanced fertilizer every month during the growing season. Avoid using too much fertilizer as it can damage the roots. Fish emulsion or organic fertilizers are ideal for this plant.
Pruning
After the growing season, cut back any dead or yellow leaves to encourage new growth. Braya humilis ssp. abbei does not require a lot of pruning, but you can pinch back the tips of the plant to encourage bushier growth. If the plant becomes too leggy, you can pinch it back to promote a more compact form.
Propagation of Braya humilis ssp. abbei
Braya humilis ssp. abbei, commonly known as Abbotsford arctic, is a low-growing alpine plant that is native to high-altitude areas. It is a hardy plant that can withstand cold temperatures, making it ideal for propagation in colder regions. There are several methods of propagation, including:
Seed propagation
The most common method of propagating Braya humilis ssp. abbei is through seeds. The seeds should be collected from mature plants in late summer or early fall and stored in a cool, dry place until planting in the spring. The seeds need to undergo a period of cold stratification before sowing, mimicking the natural winter dormancy conditions of the plant. This can be achieved by refrigerating the seeds for 2-4 weeks before planting. Sow the seeds in well-draining soil and keep them moist until they germinate. The plant typically takes 2-3 years to mature from seed.
Vegetative propagation
Braya humilis ssp. abbei can also be propagated through vegetative means such as cuttings or division. However, this method is not commonly used because the plant has a short root system and may not survive transplanting. If you still want to give it a try, you can divide the plant in the spring or early fall and plant each division in a separate container. Make sure each division has enough roots and foliage to survive.
Tissue culture propagation
Tissue culture propagation is another option for propagating Braya humilis ssp. abbei. This involves taking a small piece of tissue from the plant and growing it in a sterile environment under controlled conditions. This method is complex and requires expertise, but it can produce large numbers of plants in a short time. Tissue culture propagation is typically used for rare or endangered plant species and is not recommended for home gardeners.
Disease and Pest Management for Braya Humilis
Braya Humilis is a small herbaceous plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. While it generally has a good resistance to pests and diseases, there are still some that might affect it. Here are some common diseases and pests that might harm this plant and suggestions for managing them:
Common Diseases
Blackleg
Blackleg is a common bacterial disease that affects plants in the Brassicaceae family. Symptoms include water-soaked lesions on the stem that can turn black. The leaves also turn yellow and wilt. The disease can cause stunted growth and even death in severe cases. To manage blackleg, remove infected plants and avoid excessive moisture on the plants. Planting in well-draining soil and spacing plants appropriately can also help prevent blackleg.
Downy Mildew
Downy mildew is a fungal disease that appears as yellow patches on the leaves. These patches eventually turn brown and wilt. The plant may also have a fuzzy growth on the undersides of the leaves. To manage downy mildew, ensure plants have adequate air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Remove infected plants and avoid planting the same crop in the same area for two years.
Common Pests
Aphids
Aphids are tiny insects that can cause significant damage to plants. They feed on the sap of the plant causing leaves to curl and distort. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encouraging natural predators like ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps can also help control aphids.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids that cause damage by sucking the plant's sap. They appear as yellow, brown, or white specks on the leaves and spin tiny webs. To manage spider mites, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Increase humidity around plants by misting them and avoid over-fertilizing, which can attract spider mites.
By implementing these simple disease and pest management strategies, Braya Humilis can flourish to its full potential.
