Overview:
Chamaesaracha coronopus (Dunal) Gray, also known as the Crowned Spurge Nettle, is a flowering plant in the family Solanaceae. It is native to Mexico and the southwestern United States including Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah.
Appearance:
The stem of Chamaesaracha coronopus is green and pubescent, growing up to 1 m tall. The leaves are alternate and simple, with coarsely toothed margins, and reaching up to 12 cm in length. The flowers are whitish to lavender, arranged in clusters, and bloom from July to September. The fruits are small, prickly capsules that contain small seeds and split open when mature.
Common Names:
Crowned Spurge Nettle, Spurge Nettle, Black Nettle, Stinging Nettle, False Nettle, Desert Nettle, and Crowned Desert Nettle.
Uses:
Chamaesaracha coronopus has been traditionally used for medicinal purposes by Native American cultures. The plant can be brewed into a tea that has astringent and diuretic properties, and has been used to treat various conditions including wounds, urinary tract infections, and fever. The plant is also used as a traditional medicine for treating snake bites and as a topical agent for skin ailments. It is also used in some traditional rituals and ceremonies.
Light Requirements
Chamaesaracha coronopus typically grows in areas with full sun exposure. It prefers direct sunlight that lasts for several hours each day. However, it can also tolerate partial shade, but this may affect its overall growth and development.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can grow in a wide range of temperature conditions, but the ideal temperature range is between 18-28°C. It can tolerate both high and low temperatures but may not grow as well in extreme conditions. During winter, it is susceptible to frost damage and may require protection.
Soil Requirements
Chamaesaracha coronopus prefers well-drained soils that are slightly acidic to alkaline. It can also tolerate soils that are slightly saline. Sandy or loamy soils with good organic matter content are ideal for the plant's growth. It does not thrive in waterlogged or heavy clay soils.
Water Requirements
The plant requires moderate watering, especially during the growing season. The water should be enough to wet the soil to a depth of about 6 inches. However, it is essential to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Fertilizer Requirements
Chamaesaracha coronopus does not have any specific fertilizer requirements. However, it may benefit from occasional fertilization with an all-purpose fertilizer during its growing season. It is essential to follow the recommended application rates to avoid fertilizer burn and other related issues.
Cultivation
Chamaesaracha coronopus (Dunal) Gray is a perennial subshrub plant that grows from western Texas to Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, and Mexico. It thrives well in warm and dry environments and requires adequate sunshine to grow. You can plant this plant in areas with sandy, loamy, and rocky soils.
The plant is relatively easy to grow, and it thrives well in USDA hardiness zones 8 through 11. For the best results, plant Chamaesaracha coronopus (Dunal) Gray in well-drained soil with good air circulation.
Watering Needs
Chamaesaracha coronopus (Dunal) Gray requires minimal care when it comes to watering. This plant can survive dry spells once established, but for optimal growth, you need to water it regularly. Water your plants deeply once a week, especially in the first year of growth. In subsequent years, you can water your plants only when the soil is dry to a depth of one inch.
Avoid overwatering your plants as this can lead to root rot, which can be fatal for your Chamaesaracha coronopus (Dunal) Gray plants.
Fertilization
Chamaesaracha coronopus (Dunal) Gray is a low-maintenance plant, and regular fertilization is not a requirement. However, you can apply a light application of balanced fertilizer once a year to help your plants grow. Avoid over-fertilizing your plants as this can lead to excessive shoot growth, which will weaken the plant.
Pruning
Grooming and pruning are essential for the overall health and shape of Chamaesaracha coronopus (Dunal) Gray. Trim your plants in late winter or early spring to promote new growth. You can also prune your plants heavily in late summer to increase the plant's fullness. Sanitize your pruning tools to prevent the spread of disease.
Remove any dead or diseased stems as they appear to prevent disease spread throughout your plant. Remove unwanted suckers at the base of your plant to promote better airflow and sunlight penetration.
Propagation of Chamaesaracha coronopus (Dunal) Gray
Chamaesaracha coronopus, also known as the green chile or Chile de árbol, can be propagated by several methods, including seeds, cuttings, and division.
Seed Propagation
Chamaesaracha coronopus seeds can be easily collected from mature fruits. Seeds should be soaked in lukewarm water for several hours before planting to increase the germination rate. The best time to plant seeds is in the spring in well-draining soil, and they should be kept moist but not overwatered. Germination typically occurs within 7 to 14 days.
Cutting Propagation
Chamaesaracha coronopus can also be easily propagated by cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, mature plants during the summer months. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and dipped in rooting hormone to increase the success rate. The cuttings should be planted in well-draining soil and kept moist but not overwatered. After a month or two, new growth will indicate that successful rooting has occurred.
Division Propagation
Division propagation of Chamaesaracha coronopus involves separating the roots and stems of the mature plant into smaller sections and replanting them. This propagation method is recommended in the early spring when the plant is dormant, and the soil is still moist from the winter months. Ensure that each new section has enough roots and stems to support the growth of the new plant, and plant each section in well-draining soil.
Disease and Pest Management for Chamaesaracha coronopus (Dunal) Gray
Chamaesaracha coronopus (Dunal) Gray is a small plant that belongs to the nightshade family. Like all plants, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggestions on how to manage them.
Diseases
Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease that affects many plants, including Chamaesaracha coronopus. Symptoms include the appearance of a white powdery substance on the plant's leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage powdery mildew, remove any infected leaves immediately, and dispose of them. Use fungicides, such as sulfur or neem oil, as a preventive measure.
Root rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of plants, leading to their decay. Symptoms include the yellowing of leaves, wilting, and stunted growth. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering the plant, provide good drainage by using well-draining soil, and transplant the plant if necessary.
Bacterial wilt: Bacterial wilt is a bacterial disease characterized by wilting, yellowing, and stunted growth. The bacteria can survive in the soil and spread through contaminated tools, water, and insects. To manage bacterial wilt, remove and destroy infected plants, avoid overcrowding the plants, and sanitize tools after use.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small insects that suck the sap from plants, causing leaf curling, yellowing, and stunted growth. To manage aphids, spray the plant with an insecticidal soap or neem oil, release ladybugs, or physically remove them with a stream of water.
Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on plant tissue, causing yellowing and discoloration of leaves. They also produce webs that cover the plant's leaves. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a neem oil-based insecticide or wash them off the plant with a stream of water.
Thrips: Thrips are small, slender insects that feed on plant tissue, causing distorted leaves, buds, and flowers. To manage thrips, spray the plant with insecticidal soap, neem oil, or pyrethrin-based insecticides. You can also release predator insects like predatory mites or lacewings to control thrips infestation.
