Overview
Calymperes palisotii Schwaegr. is a plant species that belongs to the genus Calymperes and family Calymperaceae. It is commonly known as palisot calymperes or Plume moss. This plant has a distinct physical appearance that sets it apart from other species of its genus.
Origin
Calymperes palisotii Schwaegr. is native to South America, particularly Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Surinam, Trinidad, Tobago and Venezuela. It grows on rocks, trunks and branches of trees in lowland and montane forests.
Common Names
Calymperes palisotii Schwaegr. has various common names depending on its place of origin. In South America, it is commonly called "Musgo de pluma" in Spanish, "Musgo de pena" in Portuguese, and "Plume moss" in English speaking countries.
Uses
Although Calymperes palisotii Schwaegr. is not commonly used in folk medicine, some studies suggest that it may have potential pharmacological properties. It contains secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, steroids, and triterpenoids which may provide therapeutic value. The plant has also been employed as an ornamental plant due to its attractive plume-like appearance.
General Appearance
Calymperes palisotii Schwaegr. has an erect growth habit with a height that ranges between 2 and 8 cm. The plant appears feathery because of its characteristic pinnate branching, while the leaves are small, scale-like and overlapping. The leaves are green in color with a brownish tint on a black stem. The plant also has distinctive spherical capsules that produce spores for reproduction.
Light requirements
Calymperes palisotii Schwaegr. is a shade-loving plant and grows well under low to medium light intensity. Strong direct sunlight can damage the leaves and cause yellowing and drying. It is best to place this plant in a spot where it can receive indirect sunlight or filtered light.
Temperature requirements
This plant grows well in temperatures ranging from 18-26? (65-80?). It can tolerate slightly higher and lower temperatures, but extreme fluctuations can damage the plant and affect its growth. It is best to keep the plant away from cold drafts and air conditioning.
Soil requirements
Calymperes palisotii Schwaegr. prefers moist soil with good drainage. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and sand can provide the ideal soil conditions for this plant. The soil pH level should be slightly acidic to neutral, between 5.5 and 7.0. When watering the plant, it is essential to avoid overwatering, as the roots may rot, leading to the death of the plant.
Cultivation
Calymperes palisotii Schwaegr. is a tropical plant, and it thrives in warm and humid environments. It is crucial to grow this plant in a warm and moist location, with its temperature ranging between 21°C to 27°C. This species favors bright, airy, and damp places, making it ideal to grow it under a shade.
Moreover, this plant requires a growing medium that can retain water for an extended period, hence damp soil is always a favorite. It is best to propagate or transplant it during the wet season when more rain is expected to reduce the shock of transplantation and favor root development.
Watering needs
Since Calymperes palisotii Schwaegr. prefers a humid environment, it is essential to keep the soil moist, usually watering it daily or every other day. However, ensure the soil is not too wet, as stagnant water can cause root rot. The plant also prefers rainwater or distilled water since tap water may contain chemicals that will damage the delicate fronds.
Fertilization
Calymperes palisotii Schwaegr. is not a heavy feeder, and it doesn't require fertilizers often. Too much fertilizer can harm the roots and fronds, which means it is best to use organic fertilizers, such as compost or worm-castings, once a month. These organic fertilizers are good for the soil and plant, and they release the nutrients slowly.
Pruning
Pruning the Calymperes palisotii Schwaegr. is not necessary. However, if it grows too big and starts to cover other plants' growth, it's best to remove some of the branches or fronds. This plant naturally forms a compact shape that doesn't need frequent trimming. It's also essential to remove any dead or yellowing fronds as they can be a breeding ground for pests and diseases.
Propagation methods for Calymperes palisotii Schwaegr.
Propagation is an essential aspect of plant growth and development. It helps to ensure the continuation of the species and the availability of the plant for various purposes. Calymperes palisotii Schwaegr. can be propagated using three major methods. These are:
Spores propagation
Calymperes palisotii Schwaegr. propagates mainly by spores. The spores are produced in sporangia, which are found on the underside of the leaves. Once the spores are matured, they can be collected and used to propagate the plant. To propagate using spores, the following steps can be taken:
- Collect the matured spores from sporangia beneath the leaves
- Clean the spores and sterilize them in distilled water
- Spread the spores on a suitable growing medium (preferably peat moss or coconut coir)
- Cover the spores with a transparent material to maintain moisture
- Place the growing medium in a warm, moist environment with filtered sunlight
- Wait for the spores to germinate and grow into mature plants.
Clipping propagation
Calymperes palisotii Schwaegr. can also be propagated using clippings taken from mature plants. To propagate this way, follow these steps:
- Identify a mature Calymperes palisotii Schwaegr. with healthy leaves
- Cut off a small section of the stem or leaf using a sterilized pruning shears
- Plant the clipping in a suitable growing medium (preferably peat moss or coconut coir)
- Cover the clipping with a transparent material to maintain moisture
- Place the growing medium in a warm, moist environment with filtered sunlight
- Wait for the clipping to grow roots and mature into a new plant.
Division propagation
Division is another effective propagation method for Calymperes palisotii Schwaegr. This method is especially useful for larger plants that have multiple stems or shoots. To propagate using division, take the following steps:
- Dig up the mature Calymperes palisotii Schwaegr.
- Identify areas where the plant has formed multiple stems or shoots
- Using a sterilized pruning shears, separate the multiple stems or shoots from the parent plant
- Plant the separated cuttings in a suitable growing medium (preferably peat moss or coconut coir)
- Cover the cuttings with a transparent material to maintain moisture
- Place the growing medium in a warm, moist environment with filtered sunlight
- Wait for the cuttings to grow roots and mature into new plants.
Disease Management
Calymperes palisotii is generally resistant to diseases. However, under certain conditions, fungal and bacterial diseases may infect the plant. The following are some common diseases that might affect the plant:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes small, dark spots on the leaves and stems, which later expand and turn brown. It can be managed by removing affected plant tissues and applying fungicide.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes circular spots on the leaves, which turn yellow or brown. It can be managed by removing affected plant tissues and applying fungicide.
- Bacterial wilt: This bacterial disease causes wilting of the leaves and stems. It can be managed by removing infected plant tissues and regularly disinfecting pruning tools.
Pest Management
Calymperes palisotii is generally resistant to pests. However, under certain conditions, insects and mites may attack the plant. The following are some common pests that might affect the plant:
- Spider mites: These tiny arachnids suck the sap of the plant and cause yellowing and discoloration of the leaves. They can be managed by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap.
- Scale insects: These small, round insects attach themselves to the plant and suck the sap, causing yellowing and stunted growth. They can be managed by removing them by hand or spraying the plant with insecticidal soap.
- Mealybugs: These small, white insects attach themselves to the plant and suck the sap, causing yellowing and stunted growth. They can be managed by removing them by hand or spraying the plant with insecticidal soap.
