Overview:
Braya humilis (C.A. Mey.) B.L. Robins. var. arctica (Böcher) Boivin, also known as the Arctic mustard, is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Brassicaceae. It grows in the Arctic and subarctic regions of North America and Europe.
General Appearance:
The Arctic mustard is a low-growing perennial plant that ranges from 2.5 to 10 cm in height. It has thick, fleshy leaves that are greenish-grey in color and grow alternately along the stem. The plant produces small, white flowers that bloom in July and August. The flowers are hermaphroditic, meaning they have both male and female reproductive organs, and are pollinated by bees and other insects.
Origin:
The Arctic mustard is native to the Arctic and subarctic regions of North America and Europe. It grows in Greenland, Canada, Alaska, Scandinavia, and other northern regions.
Common Names:
The Arctic mustard is known by a variety of common names, including arctic rockcress, Arctic braya, Arctic sandwort, and Arctic cress.
Uses:
The Arctic mustard has been used in traditional Inuit medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including sore throats, respiratory infections, and rheumatism. The plant contains high levels of vitamin C and has been used as a source of food by indigenous peoples in the Arctic. In addition to its medicinal and nutritional uses, the Arctic mustard is also important as a habitat and food source for a variety of Arctic wildlife, including caribou and muskoxen.
Light Requirements
Braya humilis var. arctica typically requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate long periods of sunlight exposure. In areas with limited sunlight, the plant may become leggy and produce weak stems.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is adapted to grow in the harsh Arctic environment and can tolerate extreme cold. The ideal temperature range for growth is between 10°C to 20°C. It can also survive in temperatures as low as -10°C.
Soil Requirements
Braya humilis var. arctica prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. It can tolerate nutrient-poor soil but requires adequate moisture. The plant is adapted to grow in rocky or gravelly soils found in Arctic regions. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Braya humilis (C.A. Mey.) B.L. Robins. var. arctica (Böcher) Boivin is a hardy plant that can withstand harsh conditions. It prefers to grow in well-drained soil with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. The plant can grow in either full sunlight or partial shade. It is suitable for alpine rock gardens, stone walls, and containers.
Watering Needs
Braya humilis (C.A. Mey.) B.L. Robins. var. arctica (Böcher) Boivin can withstand dry conditions, but regular watering is necessary during the growing season. Water the plant deeply and thoroughly when the top inch of the soil is dry. Avoid overhead watering as the plant is prone to leaf spot diseases. Water at the base of the plant to prevent fungal infections.
Fertilization
Braya humilis (C.A. Mey.) B.L. Robins. var. arctica (Böcher) Boivin does not require intense feeding. However, you can apply a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to enhance growth. Use a fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10, and apply it at half the recommended rate. Fertilize the plant once every four weeks.
Pruning
Braya humilis (C.A. Mey.) B.L. Robins. var. arctica (Böcher) Boivin does not need intensive pruning. You can trim the plant annually to remove any dead or diseased foliage and promote new growth. Prune after the blooming season to promote more flowers in the next growing season. Use sharp, sterilized pruning tools to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Braya humilis var. arctica
Braya humilis var. arctica, commonly known as Arctic rockcress, is a hardy plant species that can grow in extreme cold conditions. It is native to the Arctic regions of North America and is usually found in alpine tundra, rocky slopes, and gravelly areas of the Arctic coast. The best propagation methods for Braya humilis var. arctica are vegetative propagation and seed propagation.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation involves the use of plant cuttings to produce new plants. Braya humilis var. arctica can be propagated through leaf and stem cuttings. The best time to take stem cuttings is during the summer when the plant is actively growing. Use a clean, sharp knife to cut a stem from the parent plant, and make sure it has at least two leaves. Remove the lower leaves and place the cutting in a pot with moist soil. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a sheltered location until the cutting takes root. Once it has rooted, it can be transplanted to a permanent location.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation involves the use of seeds to produce new plants. This propagation method is best suited for large-scale propagation. The best time to sow Braya humilis var. arctica seeds is in the fall. The seeds can be sown directly into the soil or in pots filled with moist soil. Cover the seeds lightly with soil and keep the soil moist. The seeds will germinate in the spring when the weather warms up. Once the seedlings have developed a few leaves, they can be transplanted to a permanent location.
Disease Management
Braya humilis var. arctica is generally a healthy plant species with few reported incidences of disease. However, in some cases, it can be susceptible to fungal and bacterial diseases that can affect its growth and yield.
One of the most common diseases that affect this plant species is powdery mildew, which is caused by the fungal pathogen Erysiphe communis. This disease can be identified by the presence of a white, powdery coating on the leaves and stems of the plant. The best way to manage powdery mildew is to remove infected plant parts and dispose of them properly to prevent the spread of the disease. Additionally, regular applications of fungicides can help prevent the development of this disease.
Another fungal disease that can affect Braya humilis var. arctica is leaf spot, which is caused by the pathogen Mycosphaerella adoxae. The symptoms of this disease include circular or irregular-shaped lesions on the leaves, which can cause the leaves to yellow and fall off. To manage this disease, it is important to remove infected leaves and apply fungicides such as copper-based products to prevent further infections.
Pest Management
Braya humilis var. arctica is also susceptible to insect pests, which can cause serious damage to the plant. One of the most common pests that affect this plant species is the cabbage root maggot, which can damage the roots of the plant, resulting in stunted growth and wilting. To manage this pest, it is recommended to use insecticides and crop rotations to prevent infestations.
Another pest that affects Braya humilis var. arctica is the flea beetle, which feeds on the leaves of the plant, causing small holes and damage. The best way to manage this pest is to use insecticides and physical barriers such as row covers to prevent infestations.
Overall, it is important to practice good hygiene practices, such as removing plant debris and incorporating crop rotations to prevent the spread of disease and pests in Braya humilis var. arctica. Additionally, regular monitoring and early detection of diseases and pests can help manage the problem before it gets out of control.
