Overview
Cacalia quinqueloba Thunb., also known as purple cacalia, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to East Asia. It belongs to the family Asteraceae and is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine.
Description
Purple cacalia grows up to 20-60 cm in height, with stems that are slightly pubescent and branches that are hairy. Its leaves are thin, long, and lance-shaped, arranged alternately on the stem. The leaves are dark green on the upper side and paler on the underside. The flowers of purple cacalia are small and pale purple, arranged in clusters at the top of the stem.
Common Names
Purple cacalia is also known as five-lobed hairyleaf or purple everlasting.
Uses
In traditional Chinese medicine, the root of purple cacalia has been used as a medicinal herb to treat various ailments such as fever, cough, and hemorrhoids. The root is believed to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic properties. The plant has also been used in Korea to treat respiratory problems.
Aside from its medicinal uses, purple cacalia is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens due to its attractive flowers and foliage.
Light Requirements
Cacalia quinqueloba Thunb. thrives well in areas that receive partial shade. The plant requires an adequate amount of light to manufacture food through photosynthesis. However, exposure to direct sunlight for prolonged periods may lead to sunburn or stunted growth. For optimal growth, it is recommended to keep the plant in a shaded area with a minimum of three hours of direct sunlight daily.
Temperature Requirements
Cacalia quinqueloba Thunb. prefers a warm and humid environment for optimal growth. The plant thrives well in temperatures ranging between 20 to 30°C (68 to 86°F). However, it can withstand temperatures as low as 10°C (50°F) for a short period. It is recommended to keep the plant away from direct cold drafts or frost as it may damage the leaves and affect overall growth.
Soil Requirements
Cacalia quinqueloba Thunb. prefers moist, well-draining soils with a slightly acidic pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The plant thrives in rich, loamy soils that contain adequate organic matter. The addition of compost or aged manure can improve soil fertility and enhance overall growth. It is essential to ensure that the plant's soil remains moist at all times as the plant is sensitive to drought stress, which may lead to wilting and stunted growth.
Cultivation methods
Cacalia quinqueloba Thunb. can be cultivated either in pots or in the ground. If growing in a pot, use well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter to promote healthy growth. For growing in the ground, select a location with partial shade where the soil is rich, fertile, and well-drained.
Watering needs
Cacalia quinqueloba Thunb. prefers moist soil but cannot tolerate waterlogged conditions. Water the plant regularly, both in the pot and in the ground, but make sure that the soil has the chance to dry out slightly before the next watering. Add water until the soil is thoroughly moistened, and avoid watering the leaves if possible.
Fertilization
Use a well-balanced fertilizer once a month, especially during the growing season, to provide Cacalia quinqueloba Thunb. with the nutrients it needs to thrive. You can also add a layer of compost or organic matter to the soil around the plant to keep the soil fertile and healthy.
Pruning
Cacalia quinqueloba Thunb. needs to be pruned regularly to encourage bushy, compact growth and to remove any dead or damaged branches. Avoid pruning too much or cutting back too far into the plant, as this can weaken the plant and affect its overall health and appearance. Prune after the plant has finished flowering to avoid damaging new shoots and promote better flowering for the next season.
Propagation of Cacalia quinqueloba Thunb.
Cacalia quinqueloba Thunb., a perennial herbaceous plant, can be propagated through various methods. These are:
Seed Propagation
The plant produces numerous seeds that can be collected from the matured flowers. The ideal time for seed collection is during autumn. After collecting the seeds, they should be cleaned and stored in a cool dry place.
The seeds can be sown in a seedbed or directly in the field. Planting can be done in spring or autumn. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil and kept moist until germination occurs. Germination typically takes 2 to 3 weeks.
Cuttings
Cacalia quinqueloba Thunb. can be propagated through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be obtained from a healthy plant during the growing season. The cutting should be 5-10 cm long with at least one or two leaves, and any flowers or buds should be removed.
Before planting, the cuttings should be dipped into rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth. The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist and in a warm and humid area until roots have formed.
Division
Cacalia quinqueloba Thunb. can be propagated through division. This method is typically used when the plant has become too large for its current location or requires rejuvenation. The best time for division is in the spring.
To divide the plant, carefully remove it from the soil and separate the root system into two or more sections. Each section should have new shoots and leaves. These sections should then be planted into a well-draining potting mix and kept moist until growth is observed.
Disease Management for Cacalia quinqueloba Thunb.
Cacalia quinqueloba Thunb. is generally resistant to diseases but might occasionally be affected by the following:
1. Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves, stem, and flowers of Cacalia quinqueloba Thunb. Planting resistant varieties and improving air circulation around the plants can help manage powdery mildew. Also, using fungicides such as sulfur or potassium bicarbonate is an effective way to control the disease.
2. Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease characterized by small brown or black lesions on leaves. The disease can be caused by poor cultural practices such as over-irrigation and poor air circulation. To manage the disease, remove the affected leaves and avoid overhead watering. Additionally, fungicides such as copper-based sprays can help control the disease.
3. Rust
Rust is a fungal disease that typically appears as orange or brown lesions on leaves. The disease can be managed by removing the affected leaves and avoiding overhead watering. Additionally, using fungicides such as copper-based sprays or neem oil can help control the disease.
Pest Management for Cacalia quinqueloba Thunb.
Cacalia quinqueloba Thunb. can be affected by different pests, including:
1. Aphids
Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that suck the sap out of plants, causing stunted growth and deformation. To control aphids, blast them off the plant with a strong jet of water or spray with insecticidal soap. Another option is to introduce natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings to the plants to control the aphid population.
2. Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny mites that puncture leaves and suck plant juices, causing bronzed or yellowish mottling. To manage spider mites, remove affected leaves and spray the plant with water to remove as many mites as possible. Additionally, using insecticidal soap or neem oil can help control the mite population.
3. Cutworms
Cutworms are night-active caterpillars that cut off the stems of young seedlings at or below the soil surface. A way of managing cutworms is by placing a collar around the base of seedlings or sprinkle diatomaceous earth around plants to deter the larvae. Another option is to apply Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk) on the plants to control the cutworm population.
