Origin
Calystegia malacophylla (Greene) Munz ssp. malacophylla, also known as Malacophylla false bindweed, is a perennial herb that is native to California, United States.
Common Names
Apart from Malacophylla false bindweed, this plant is also commonly known as Malacophylla morning glory and Soft-leaved Calystegia.
Uses
Calystegia malacophylla has been traditionally used by the Native Americans for medicinal purposes. The Chumash tribe used it as a poultice for sores and wounds. It has also been used to treat skin diseases and bruises. Moreover, some species of Calystegia are used in traditional Chinese medicine to relieve heat congestion in the body. However, it is important to note that the plant may cause skin irritation in some individuals and should not be consumed without proper medical guidance.
General Appearance
Calystegia malacophylla has a vining growth pattern and can grow up to 6-8 feet in length. The leaves are heart-shaped, measuring 2-6 cm in length and 1.5-5 cm in width. They are a pale green color and feel soft to the touch due to the presence of fine hairs. The fragrant flowers bloom in the summer and fall seasons, measuring 2-6 cm in diameter. They are white in color with pink veins and yellow centers. The plant prefers dry, rocky soil and is commonly found in chaparral and coastal sage scrub habitats.
Light Requirements
Calystegia malacophylla (Greene) Munz ssp. malacophylla typically grows in full sun to partial shade. In ideal conditions, it can grow in full sun, but it does require at least some shade to thrive.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to California and is well-adapted to the climate conditions prevalent in the region. Calystegia malacophylla (Greene) Munz ssp. malacophylla grows in moderate temperatures, in the range of 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). It can tolerate higher temperatures but may require some additional watering during extremely hot periods.
Soil Requirements
Calystegia malacophylla (Greene) Munz ssp. malacophylla is commonly found growing on dry slopes, ridges, and grasslands. It requires well-draining soil and is typically found in soils that are sandy or rocky. However, it can grow in various soil types, as long as they are well-draining. The plant is moderately drought-tolerant and can withstand periods of low rainfall, but it requires some moisture to flourish.
Cultivation
Calystegia malacophylla ssp. malacophylla is a perennial plant that is native to California. It can grow up to 3 feet tall and 6 feet wide. This plant thrives in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter and have a pH between 6 and 8. They require full sun to partial shade and can grow in coastal and inland climates.
Planting can be done either through division or seeding. Seeds should be planted in early spring or fall in a well-drained soil mix, and transplanting should occur after the last frost. Division is best done in the early spring, and care should be taken not to damage the roots.
Watering Needs
Calystegia malacophylla ssp. malacophylla requires regular watering, especially during the dry season. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Irrigation can be done once or twice a week, depending on the climate, and the soil should be checked for dryness before each watering.
During the winter season, Calystegia malacophylla ssp. malacophylla requires less water. Overwatering during this period can cause root rot, which can be fatal to the plant.
Fertilization
Calystegia malacophylla ssp. malacophylla doesn't require much fertilization, but a light application of a balanced organic fertilizer in the early spring can provide the plant with enough nutrients for the growing season. Overfertilization can lead to excessive growth, which can weaken the plant and cause it to become more susceptible to pests and diseases.
Pruning
Calystegia malacophylla ssp. malacophylla requires regular pruning to maintain its shape and to remove dead or damaged foliage. Pruning should be done in the early spring before new growth occurs. Care should be taken not to damage the stem or bark when pruning, as this can lead to infection and damage to the plant.
During the growing season, Calystegia malacophylla ssp. malacophylla can also benefit from deadheading, which involves removing the spent flowers to encourage new growth and promote a longer blooming period.
Propagation of Calystegia malacophylla ssp. malacophylla
Calystegia malacophylla (Greene) Munz ssp. malacophylla is a beautiful, evergreen perennial vine that is native to California's coastal regions. It produces trumpet-shaped flowers in pink or white shades that bloom from mid-spring to mid-summer.
Propagation Methods:
There are two main methods of propagating Calystegia malacophylla (Greene) Munz ssp. malacophylla:
Seed Propagation:
Seeds of Calystegia malacophylla (Greene) Munz ssp. malacophylla can be collected from mature flowers. The collected seeds should be dried out for a few days before being sown in a well-draining potting mix. Seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil and kept moist until germination.
It is important to note that seeds of Calystegia malacophylla (Greene) Munz ssp. malacophylla are not always readily available, and the germination rate can be low.
Vegetative Propagation:
Vegetative propagation is a reliable method for propagating Calystegia malacophylla (Greene) Munz ssp. malacophylla. This can be done through root division or stem cuttings:
Root Division:
The most successful time to take root divisions from Calystegia malacophylla (Greene) Munz ssp. malacophylla is during the fall or winter when plant growth is dormant. Carefully dig up the parent plant, and divide the plant's roots into smaller sections using a sharp, sterile knife. Plant the divided roots in a well-draining potting mix and keep them moist until new growth appears.
Stem Cuttings:
Stem cuttings of Calystegia malacophylla (Greene) Munz ssp. malacophylla can be taken during the summer. Cut a piece of stem that is around four to six inches long, and remove the leaves from the bottom half. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone powder, and insert it into a well-draining potting mix. Water the cutting and keep it moist until roots develop, and new growth appears.
Calystegia malacophylla (Greene) Munz ssp. malacophylla is relatively easy to propagate using either the seed or vegetative propagation methods. Both techniques, however, will require patience and the right environmental conditions for success.
Disease Management
Calystegia malacophylla is generally a healthy plant, but it can still be affected by some diseases. The most common diseases that affect this plant are powdery mildew, rust, root rot, and leaf spot.
To manage powdery mildew, it is important to maintain good air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead watering. You can also use fungicidal sprays to prevent the spread of the disease.
Rust can be managed by removing the infected leaves and discarding them away from the plant. You can also use a fungicidal spray to prevent the disease from spreading.
Root rot is caused by overly wet soil and can be managed by improving soil drainage and watering only when necessary. You can also apply a fungicide to the soil to help control the disease.
Leaf spot can be managed by removing the infected leaves and disposing of them away from the plant. You can also use a fungicidal spray to prevent the disease from spreading.
Pest Management
Calystegia malacophylla can also be affected by some pests, such as spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies.
Spider mites can be managed by keeping the plant well-watered and applying a miticide spray. You can also introduce natural predators, such as ladybugs, to help control the population.
Aphids can be managed by spraying the plant with a strong stream of water to knock them off. You can also introduce natural predators, such as lacewings or parasitic wasps, to control the population.
Whiteflies can be managed by using yellow sticky traps to catch and kill them. You can also use an insecticidal soap or oil spray to control the population.
