Overview
Ceruana rotundifolia Cass. is a plant species of the Asteraceae family, commonly known as "cannabis de cerro" or "chirca de cerro". It is a perennial herbaceous plant that is mainly found in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and Peru.
General Appearance
Ceruana rotundifolia Cass. grows up to 60-80 cm tall and has a rounded shape. The stem is stout, pubescent, and reddish, and it branches out above the base. The leaves are alternate and petiolate, with a thick texture, and they have a cordate shape with a rounded apex. The flowers are small, with a yellow corolla and are arranged in a dense, roundish terminal inflorescence. The fruit is an achene with a pappus of white hairs.
Uses
Ceruana rotundifolia Cass. has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as rheumatism, fever, pain, and infections. It is also used as a natural dye to colour textiles. In addition, the plant has a high content of sesquiterpene lactones, which possess antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Moreover, this plant is used in Andean culture for spiritual and religious purposes. It is believed to have potent curative and cleansing powers, and it is commonly used in shamanic rituals as an entheogen to induce visions and enhance the connection with the spirits.
Overall, Ceruana rotundifolia Cass. is a plant species that has been widely used for medicinal and cultural purposes in South America, and it represents an important source of natural compounds for research and development.
Light requirements
Ceruana rotundifolia Cass. thrives in bright but indirect sunlight. It prefers partial shade and needs protection from direct sun exposure during the hottest parts of the day. Excessive exposure to sunlight can cause the leaves to scorch and damage the plant.
Temperature requirements
The ideal temperature range for Ceruana rotundifolia Cass. is 18-27 °C (64-81 °F). It can tolerate temperatures as low as 12 °C (54 °F) and as high as 32 °C (90 °F) for a short period, but prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures may cause harm to the plant.
Soil requirements
Ceruana rotundifolia Cass. grows best in loose, well-draining soil that retains enough moisture to keep the roots hydrated but not waterlogged. It is sensitive to the pH level of the soil and prefers soil with a slightly acidic pH between 6.0 and 6.5. A nutrient-rich soil with good aeration and drainage capacity is the key to the plant's healthy growth and development.
Cultivation
Ceruana rotundifolia Cass. is a shrub that grows well in subtropical or tropical climates. It thrives in sandy and well-drained soils, and it requires sunlight exposure to help it grow.
Juvenile plants are usually propagated by cuttings or seed, while matured plants tend to self-seed. When planting, the soil should have a pH level ranging from 5.5 to 7.0. The planting process is carried out during the rainy season to help the plant establish itself.
Watering Needs
Watering is done twice or thrice a week, depending on factors like rainfall, temperature, and humidity. It is important to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. To avoid waterlogging, ensure that there is proper drainage in the soil.
Fertilization
The Ceruana rotundifolia Cass. plant requires regular fertilization to remain healthy. Use a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10:10:10, which should be applied to the plant every three months, starting from the planting phase.
Alternatively, organic fertilizers like cow dung manure can be used to nourish the plant. These organic fertilizers should be applied once in six months to help the plant grow and flower properly.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential maintenance activity that should be carried out to keep the plant in good shape and prevent the plant from being overcrowded. The best time to prune the plant is during the dry season, after the flowering phase.
Trimming helps to remove dead or diseased parts of the plant. It is also done to maintain the plant's shape by cutting back branches that are too long or overgrown. However, avoid pruning or cutting back more than a third of the plant's foliage to prevent damaging the plant.
Propagation methods for Ceruana rotundifolia Cass.
Ceruana rotundifolia Cass. can be propagated through several methods. Depending on the individual’s preference and availability of materials, the following methods may be used:
Seed Propagation
This is the most common method of propagating Ceruana rotundifolia Cass. The seeds should be collected from healthy plants, dried and stored in a cool, dry place. They can be sown in seed trays or directly in pots filled with a mixture of sand, loam and compost. The ideal time for sowing is during the spring season.
Seed trays should be filled with the soil mixture and watered before placing the seeds on top. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil and kept moist, but not overly watered. The seeded trays should be placed in a shaded area until the seedlings emerge, after which they should be gradually introduced to sunlight.
Stem Cuttings Propagation
Cutting propagation of Ceruana rotundifolia Cass. is another successful method. One can take stem cuttings from the plant in summer or spring, with a length of approximately 10-12cm. The cuttings should be made from healthy, disease-free plants. The leaves on the lower part of the cuttings are removed, and rooting powder is applied to the bottom end of the cuttings.
The cuttings are then inserted into a mixture of sand and peat and placed in a shaded, humid area. After approximately 6-8 weeks, the cuttings should have rooted and are now ready for transplanting into pots or garden beds containing suitable soil.
Division Propagation
Propagation through division is another option for Ceruana rotundifolia Cass. This method involves digging up the plant and dividing it into smaller portions, ensuring that each division has enough roots and leaves. The divided sections are then planted in pots or garden beds with suitable soil, followed by regular watering until the plants are established.
The above propagation methods are effective for Ceruana rotundifolia Cass. The appropriate choice of the most convenient method, however, depends on availability of resources, planting goals and the individual’s preference.
Disease and Pest Management for Ceruana Rotundifolia Cass.
Ceruana rotundifolia Cass. is a hardy plant that can tolerate adverse conditions. However, it is still vulnerable to certain diseases and pests that can affect its growth and development. Proper management techniques can help prevent and control these issues. Here are some common diseases and pests that may affect Ceruana rotundifolia Cass. and the best ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Fungal diseases are the most common problems that may affect Ceruana rotundifolia Cass. These diseases can cause leaf spots, wilting, and other forms of damage. Some of the most common fungal diseases include:
- Leaf Spot: This disease causes brown spots on the leaves. To manage leaf spot, remove the infected leaves and improve air circulation around the plant.
- Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves and stems. To manage powdery mildew, remove infected leaves and improve air circulation around the plant.
- Crown Rot: Crown rot is caused by a soil-borne fungus. It causes the plant to wilt and eventually die. To prevent crown rot, avoid overwatering and improve soil drainage.
Common Pests
Pests can also be a problem for Ceruana rotundifolia Cass. Here are some of the most common pests that you may encounter:
- Aphids: Aphids are small insects that suck the sap from the plant. They cause distortion and stunting of the plant. To manage aphids, try washing them off with a strong stream of water or use an insecticidal soap.
- Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the sap of the plant. They cause yellowing and browning of the leaves. To manage spider mites, try washing them off with a strong stream of water or use an insecticidal soap.
- Mealybugs: Mealybugs are white, waxy pests that suck the sap from the plant. They cause stunted growth and discoloration of the leaves. To manage mealybugs, manually remove them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
By following proper disease and pest management techniques, you can help your Ceruana rotundifolia Cass. thrive and grow into a healthy, beautiful plant.
