Overview
Chaenostoma fastigiatum Benth. var. glabratum Benth. is a species of plant in the family Solanaceae. It is native to Mexico and is commonly found in dry areas of the country.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as "caxon", "cajonal", "yaraví", "yareva", and "caxon gigante".
Appearance
Chaenostoma fastigiatum Benth. var. glabratum Benth. is a shrub that can grow up to 2.5 meters tall. It has green, shiny leaves that are oblong or elliptic in shape. The plant produces yellow or purple flowers that bloom from March to October. The fruit is a small, rounded capsule that contains numerous seeds.
Uses
The leaves of Chaenostoma fastigiatum Benth. var. glabratum Benth. are commonly used in traditional medicine to treat respiratory conditions such as coughs and bronchitis. The plant also has insecticidal properties and is used to repel mosquitoes and other insects. The plant has also been used to treat skin conditions such as wounds and rashes.
Light Requirements
Chaenostoma fastigiatum Benth. var. glabratum Benth. is a plant that requires full to partial sunlight exposure. This means that the plant should be placed in a location where it receives at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight exposure daily. The plant can, however, tolerate some shade, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
Temperature Requirements
Chaenostoma fastigiatum Benth. var. glabratum Benth. can only grow within certain temperature ranges. Generally, the plant can tolerate temperatures between 10°C (50°F) and 32°C (90°F). Temperatures below or above this range can negatively affect the growth and development of the plant. It is essential to ensure that the plant is not exposed to frost or extreme heat, as this can lead to plant damage or death.
Soil Requirements
The growth of Chaenostoma fastigiatum Benth. var. glabratum Benth. is greatly influenced by soil conditions. Generally, the plant requires well-draining soils that are nutrient-rich. The plant prefers soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH (6-7). Sandy loam soils are ideal for the growth of this plant. It is important to ensure that the soil is not waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot and eventual death of the plant.
Cultivation methods
Chaenostoma fastigiatum Benth. var. glabratum Benth. is a hardy plant that thrives in warm, dry climates. It prefers well-draining soil and full sunlight.
The plant can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. Seeds should be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until germination. For cuttings, take a stem cutting from a healthy plant, strip the lower leaves, and plant it in a pot with well-draining soil. Place the pot in a warm, bright area and keep the soil moist until roots develop.
Watering needs
Chaenostoma fastigiatum Benth. var. glabratum Benth. is drought tolerant and prefers infrequent, deep watering over frequent, shallow watering. Water the plant when the top few inches of soil feel dry to the touch, and allow excess water to drain away. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Chaenostoma fastigiatum Benth. var. glabratum Benth. benefits from a monthly dose of balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Use a water-soluble fertilizer and follow the package instructions for dosing. Avoid fertilizing during the dormant season.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Chaenostoma fastigiatum Benth. var. glabratum Benth., but can be done to shape the plant or remove dead or diseased growth. Prune in the early spring before new growth appears, and use clean, sharp pruning shears to make clean cuts.
Propagation of Chaenostoma fastigiatum Benth. var. glabratum Benth.
Chaenostoma fastigiatum Benth. var. glabratum Benth. can be propagated through various methods such as seeds, cuttings, and division.
Propagation by Seeds:
Seeds of Chaenostoma fastigiatum Benth. var. glabratum Benth. can be sown directly into well-draining soil. Germination usually occurs within two weeks. The young seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots once they have developed their first pair of true leaves. It is important to keep the seedlings well-watered until they get established.
Propagation by Cuttings:
Softwood cuttings taken in spring or summer can be used to propagate Chaenostoma fastigiatum Benth. var. glabratum Benth. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants and should consist of a 4-6 inch stem with at least two to three leaves. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder before planting them in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and place the cuttings in a warm, bright location. The cuttings should root in about four to six weeks.
Propagation by Division:
Chaenostoma fastigiatum Benth. var. glabratum Benth. can also be propagated through division. Carefully dig up the plant and separate the rhizomes into several smaller pieces. Each piece should have at least one healthy shoot and a portion of the root system. Transplant each division into well-draining soil and keep the soil moist until the plants get established.
Disease Management
There are a few common diseases that can affect the plant Chaenostoma fastigiatum Benth. var. glabratum Benth. One of the most common issues is powdery mildew. This fungal disease can be identified by the white, powdery substance that appears on leaves and stems. To manage powdery mildew, it is essential to remove any infected leaves or stems and dispose of them. Avoid overhead watering and try to ensure adequate air circulation around the plant. If the infestation is severe, a fungicide may be necessary.
Another fungal disease that can impact the Chaenostoma fastigiatum Benth. var. glabratum Benth. is rust. This disease typically appears as spots on leaves that range in color from orange to brown. Like powdery mildew, you should remove any infected plant material and dispose of it. Consider adding a fungicide to manage the outbreak.
Finally, stem canker can pose a threat to Chaenostoma fastigiatum Benth. var. glabratum Benth. This disease can cause wilting, yellowing, and ultimately death of the plant. Unfortunately, there is no treatment available for stem canker, so it is crucial to remove and destroy any infected plants promptly.
Pest Management
Like most plants, Chaenostoma fastigiatum Benth. var. glabratum Benth. can also fall victim to insect pests. One common pest is the aphid, which will feed on the sap of the plant and can cause distortions of the stems and leaves. You can manage aphids by introducing natural predators or by washing the plants with a strong spray of water.
Spider mites are another pest that can be challenging to deal with. These tiny pests feed on the underside of leaves and can cause yellowing and stunted growth. To manage spider mites, you can use insecticidal soap or a neem oil-based product. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and avoid using these products in the heat of the day.
Caterpillars can also be an issue for Chaenostoma fastigiatum Benth. var. glabratum Benth. These insects will feed on the leaves of the plant, creating large holes. To manage caterpillars, consider using Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a natural, bacterial-based insecticide. You can apply Bt directly to the foliage, and it will target only the caterpillars.
