Introduction
Chrysanthellum indicum DC. is a flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is a perennial herbaceous species that is native to China, Korea, and Japan. Also known as the Golden Chamomile, this plant is widely cultivated for its medicinal properties and ornamental value.
Common Names
Chrysanthellum indicum DC. is known by several common names, depending on the region. In China, it is called "Shandougen" or "Ziqi". In Japan, it is known as "Hana-ogon" or "Senryo". The plant is also referred to as "Golden Chamomile" or "Star Daisy" in English-speaking countries.
Uses
Chrysanthellum indicum DC. has been used in traditional medicine for centuries and is believed to possess several therapeutic properties. It contains a variety of bioactive compounds that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. The plant is commonly used to treat skin disorders such as eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis. It is also used to treat liver disorders and to lower blood pressure.
In addition to its medicinal properties, the Golden Chamomile is also highly valued for its ornamental value. Its bright yellow flowers are attractive and long-lasting, making it a popular choice for gardeners and florists.
General Appearance
Chrysanthellum indicum DC. has a robust and bushy growth habit and can reach a height of up to 60 cm. It has small, bright green leaves that are deeply divided. The plant produces numerous yellow daisy-like flowers that are about 2 cm in diameter. The flowers have a distinctive central disk surrounded by several elongated ray petals. The plant blooms from late spring to early summer and prefers well-drained soil and full sun.
Overall, Chrysanthellum indicum DC. is an impressive plant with a range of medicinal benefits and an ornamental value that makes it an excellent addition to any garden.Growth Conditions for Chrysanthellum indicum DC.
Light: Chrysanthellum indicum DC. prefers to grow in full sunlight, but can tolerate partial shade. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth and flowering.
Temperature: This plant prefers warm temperatures, ideally ranging from 18°C to 30°C. It cannot tolerate frost or temperatures below 10°C. In areas with extremely high temperatures, providing some shade to protect it from direct sunlight can be beneficial.
Soil: Chrysanthellum indicum DC. thrives in well-drained, moderately fertile soil with a pH of 6 to 7.5. The soil should be loose and airy to allow for proper root growth and development. Adding organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure can improve soil quality and fertility.
Water: This plant requires moderate watering. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. However, care should be taken not to let the soil dry out completely as this may result in stunting growth or wilting of the plant.
Fertilizer: Chrysanthellum indicum DC. does not typically require heavy fertilization. However, adding a balanced fertilizer during the growing season can provide additional nutrients for healthy growth and flowering. It is important not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Cultivation methods
Chrysanthellum indicum DC., commonly known as Golden Buttons, is a perennial plant that requires well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight to thrive. It grows well in both pots and garden beds and is relatively easy to cultivate.
To propagate the plant, you can plant seeds or take stem cuttings in the spring. The plant prefers temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, so make sure to avoid excessively hot or cold environments.
Watering needs
Golden Buttons prefers moderate watering, and the soil should be kept moist most of the time. Overwatering could lead to root rot, so make sure to avoid standing water around the plant. Water the plant every 7 to 10 days, especially during the growing season.
During the colder months, water the plant sparingly since it goes dormant during this time. Check the soil regularly for any signs of dryness, and adjust the watering schedule accordingly.
Fertilization
Golden Buttons requires minimal fertilization, and the best time to fertilize is during the growing season in the spring and summer. A slow-release fertilizer can be added to the soil during the initial planting, and liquid fertilizers can be applied every month during the growing season.
Make sure to avoid over-fertilization, which could lead to foliage growth at the expense of blooms. The plant requires more phosphorus than nitrogen, so look for fertilizers with a higher P to N ratio.
Pruning
Golden Buttons doesn't require pruning, but removing any dead flowers or leaves is recommended to maintain the overall appearance of the plant. Trim the plant back in the early spring to encourage new growth and maintain its shape and size.
When pruning, use sharp and clean pruning tools to avoid damaging the plant. Cut only the stem and avoid damaging the foliage or other surrounding plant structures.
Propagation of Chrysanthellum indicum DC.
Chrysanthellum indicum DC., also known as golden chamomile, is a perennial plant species that is native to Africa and commonly used in traditional medicine. Propagation of the plant can be done through several methods, including seed propagation, stem cutting propagation, and division propagation.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is a common method used to propagate Chrysanthellum indicum DC. To propagate through seeds, the matured seeds should be collected from the plant and sown in a nursery, seedbed or directly in the field after soil preparation. The nursery should be covered with a transparent material to control the temperature and moisture levels, which helps in the germination process. The seeds usually germinate within 4-6 weeks; and after the seedlings have reached 3-4 leaves stage, they can be transplanted in the field or grown further in the nursery before transplantation.
Stem cutting propagation
Propagation of Chrysanthellum indicum DC. can also be done through stem cuttings from a mature and healthy plant. For stem cutting propagation, a healthy stem measuring 5-6 inches in length and having nodes and leaves is taken from the parent plant. The stem cutting is then dipped in hormone rooting powder and planted in a prepared soil medium. The cutting should be misted regularly and kept in a shaded spot to prevent withering. The stem cutting will eventually develop roots and can be transplanted when the root system is strong enough.
Division propagation
Division propagation of Chrysanthellum indicum DC. involves digging up a clump of the mother plant and then dividing the plant into several smaller sections. Each section should have roots and shoots. The divided plants are then replanted in a well-prepared soil medium with good drainage. The transplanted plants should be regularly watered and kept in a shaded area until they are well-established.
In conclusion, Chrysanthellum indicum DC. can be propagated through seed propagation, stem cutting propagation, and division propagation. Choosing the best propagation method depends on the availability of the plant material, the time of year and the environmental conditions available for the process.
Disease Management for Chrysanthellum indicum DC.
Chrysanthellum indicum DC. can be affected by different types of diseases such as leaf spots, powdery mildew and rust. However, applying fungicides can effectively control these diseases.
Leaf spots are typically caused by fungal pathogens like Cercospora sp., Septoria sp., and Phyllosticta sp. Remove infected leaves and spray the area with fungicides and balanced fertilizer to boost the plant’s immunity.
Powdery mildew is a fungal infection that initially appears as white, powdery residue on leaves, which may develop into yellow patches. You can prevent the disease by minimizing plant density, allowing adequate space between plants for good air circulation, or by applying fungicides when the infection is detected.
Rust affects leaves and is caused by Puccinia chrysanthemi and P. menthae. The disease starts as yellow spots on the undersides of leaves and will lead to the leaves’ distortion, and finally, defoliation. Use fungicides to control rust development and ensure that plants are adequately spaced to maximize air circulation.
Pest Management for Chrysanthellum indicum DC.
Chrysanthellum indicum DC. can be affected by pests such as mealybugs, scales, and aphids. Monitor regularly and take proactive measures to prevent infestations. Keep the plant healthy, remove dead or weakened foliage and use chemical or biological controls to manage the pest problems.
Mealybugs are known to feed on Chrysanthellum indicum DC. sap. Use insecticides or other systemic chemicals to eliminate infestations. An alternative strategy is to release natural predators of the pest, like parasitic wasps, to control the mealybug population.
Scale insects, another common pest of Chrysanthellum indicum DC., suck sap from the plant and weaken it. Use insecticides or horticultural oils to kill the pests. Additionally, tilling the soil during the dormant season and removing debris and weeds can reduce the risk of infestations.
Aphids can create a hazardous environment for Chrysanthellum indicum DC. and stunt its growth. Use insecticidal soaps or neem oil to control the infestation. Also, attract natural insect predators like ladybugs that can feed on aphids.
