Introduction and Origin
Chenopodium foetidum Schrad. subsp. pseudomultiflorum Murr. is a perennial plant that belongs to the Amaranthaceae family. It is a subspecies of C. foetidum, commonly known as "stinky herb," due to its intense aroma and flavor. C. foetidum Schrad. subsp. pseudomultiflorum Murr. is thought to have originated from Mexico and Central America but is now widely distributed across the tropics and subtropics regions of the world.
Common Names
C. foetidum Schrad. subsp. pseudomultiflorum Murr. is known by different names in various regions, including:
- Eryngo-leaved marsilea
- Stinking herb
- Culantro pseudo multiflorum
- Culantro coyote
- Maya cilantro
- Wan-se-foy (in China)
Uses
The leaves of C. foetidum Schrad. subsp. pseudomultiflorum Murr. are commonly used as a culinary herb in many cuisines worldwide, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean. The herb has a flavor that is somewhat similar to that of cilantro (Coriandrum sativum), but with a more pungent and earthy taste. C. foetidum Schrad. subsp. pseudomultiflorum Murr. is also used in traditional medicine to treat various conditions, including digestive issues, fever, and hypertension.
General Appearance
C. foetidum Schrad. subsp. pseudomultiflorum Murr. has long and narrow leaves that can grow up to 50 cm in length. The leaves are deeply lobed, giving them a unique and distinct appearance. The plant can grow up to 1 meter tall, with clusters of small greenish-white flowers that bloom in the late summer or early fall. C. foetidum Schrad. subsp. pseudomultiflorum Murr. prefers growing in warm and humid conditions, and its leaves are harvested before the plant blooms.
Light Requirements
Chenopodium foetidum Schrad. subsp. pseudomultiflorum Murr requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate shade but will have reduced growth and flavor.
Temperature Requirements
Chenopodium foetidum Schrad. subsp. pseudomultiflorum Murr prefers warm to hot temperatures between 20°C and 30°C for growth and development. It cannot tolerate frost or temperatures below 10°C.
Soil Requirements
Chenopodium foetidum Schrad. subsp. pseudomultiflorum Murr prefers well-draining and fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. A pH between 6.5 and 7.5 is ideal for growth. It can tolerate slightly acidic or alkaline soil but will not grow well in waterlogged or compacted soil.
Cultivation Methods
Chenopodium foetidum Schrad. subsp. pseudomultiflorum Murr is a warm-season herb that requires a sunny location to grow. The plant can grow up to 1 meter tall and requires well-draining soil for healthy growth. It can be propagated by sowing seeds in the desired location. The seeds should be sown in late spring or early summer, and it takes two to three weeks for the seeds to germinate.
When planting, the soil should be well-tilled and free from weeds. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1 cm and spaced out at least 15 cm apart. It is advisable to water the soil thoroughly after planting to help the seeds settle.
Watering Needs
Chenopodium foetidum Schrad. subsp. pseudomultiflorum Murr requires moderate watering to grow healthily. The plant should be watered only when the topmost layer of soil feels dry to the touch. It is important not to overwater the plant as it can lead to root rot and other diseases.
During dry spells, the plant should be watered more frequently to keep the soil moist. It is also important to water the plant at the base to avoid wetting the leaves which can lead to fungal infections.
Fertilization
The plant requires fertilization at least once a month during the growing season to supply the necessary nutrients for healthy growth. A balanced fertilizer with equal nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium (N-P-K) is ideal. The fertilizer should be applied around the base of the plant and watered afterward to help it soak into the soil.
It is important not to over-fertilize the plant as it can lead to excessive foliage growth and a reduction in the plant's overall health.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Chenopodium foetidum Schrad. subsp. pseudomultiflorum Murr. However, to encourage bushier growth, the tops can be pinched off, which also helps the plant to produce more leaves. The leaves can be harvested as needed by removing only a few from each plant as this can promote regrowth.
If the plant becomes too tall and spindly, it is advisable to cut it back to encourage bushier growth and prevent it from becoming too leggy.
Propagation of Chenopodium foetidum Schrad. subsp. pseudomultiflorum Murr
Chenopodium foetidum Schrad. subsp. pseudomultiflorum Murr, commonly known as Stinking or Mexican coriander, is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the Amaranthaceae family. It is popularly used in Southeast Asian, Latin American, and Caribbean cuisines due to its strong, unique flavor and aroma, resembling a blend of cilantro and parsley.
If you want to propagate Chenopodium foetidum Schrad. subsp. pseudomultiflorum Murr, there are different methods that you can try. Some of them include:
Seed Propagation
One of the most common ways of propagating Chenopodium foetidum Schrad. subsp. pseudomultiflorum Murr is through seeds. Before sowing the seeds, it is important to prepare a well-draining potting mix and keep it moist. Sow the seeds about 0.6 cm deep and water them. It is essential to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The seeds usually germinate within 5-15 days.
Vegetative Propagation
Another way of propagating Chenopodium foetidum Schrad. subsp. pseudomultiflorum Murr is through vegetative propagation. This involves taking cuttings from the mother plant and rooting them in water or a well-draining potting mix. Select a healthy stem that has at least 2-3 leaves. Cut the stem about 7.5-10 cm long, remove the lower leaves, and insert it into a container with water or potting mix. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged, until the cutting develops roots and can be transplanted into a bigger pot or directly into the garden.
Division
Chenopodium foetidum Schrad. subsp. pseudomultiflorum Murr can also be propagated through division. This method is suitable for mature plants that have formed clumps. Gently remove the plant from the pot or garden bed, and use a clean, sharp knife to divide it into several sections, ensuring each part has healthy roots and shoots. Plant each division in a separate container or bed after dividing.
It is important to note that Chenopodium foetidum Schrad. subsp. pseudomultiflorum Murr prefers warm and humid conditions, so it is essential to maintain the right temperature and moisture levels during propagation for optimal results. With proper care, you can successfully propagate Stinking or Mexican coriander and enjoy its unique flavor and aroma in your culinary adventures.
Disease and Pest Management for Chenopodium foetidum Schrad. subsp. pseudomultiflorum Murr
Chenopodium foetidum Schrad. subsp. pseudomultiflorum Murr, also known as Mexican coriander or Culantro, is an herb used commonly in Caribbean, Asian, and Latin American cuisine. However, like all plants, it is susceptible to pests and diseases that can harm its growth and yield. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
1. Anthracnose - This is a fungal disease that causes leaves to wilt, turn yellow, and drop from the plant. It can also cause stem cankers and fruit rot. To manage anthracnose, it is important to maintain good sanitation practices and remove infected plant debris from the area. Also, avoid overhead watering and provide adequate spacing between plants to promote air circulation.
2. Powdery mildew - Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease that appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves. It can hinder photosynthesis, leading to plant stress and stunted growth. To manage powdery mildew, monitor the plant regularly for signs of the disease. Remove infected leaves or plants and dispose of them properly. Additionally, provide adequate ventilation, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicide as needed.
Pests
1. Aphids - These are tiny, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of plants and can cause leaves to curl and distort. They also excrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which can attract other pests and promote the growth of black sooty mold. To manage aphids, use a strong stream of water to knock them off the plants or apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
2. Spider mites - Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the undersides of leaves, causing them to yellow and drop prematurely. They are difficult to see with the naked eye but can be identified by the fine webbing they produce. To manage spider mites, increase humidity levels around the plant, prune heavily infested leaves, and apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
By being vigilant about disease and pest management, Chenopodium foetidum Schrad. subsp. pseudomultiflorum Murr can be a beautiful and fruitful addition to any garden or recipe.
