Origin
Cleome noeana Boiss. subsp. brachystyla (Deflers) D.F.Chamb. & Lamond is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Capparaceae. The plant is native to the Mediterranean region and grows in various parts of Europe, Asia, and North Africa.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known as the "Purple Cleome". It is also referred to as "Noean Cleome" or "Bristly Spiderflower".
Uses
Cleome noeana Boiss. subsp. brachystyla (Deflers) D.F.Chamb. & Lamond has both medicinal and ornamental uses. The leaves of the plant are used as a substitute for tea in Morocco, while the whole plant is used to treat various diseases in Iran and Pakistan. In addition, the plant has a unique appearance and is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes.
General Appearance
Cleome noeana Boiss. subsp. brachystyla (Deflers) D.F.Chamb. & Lamond is a herbaceous annual plant that grows up to 60 cm in height. The plant has green leaves that are palmately compound with long petioles. The flowers are pink to purple in color, and they bloom in clusters in the summer. The plant is covered with long, bristly hairs that give it a unique appearance and make it somewhat prickly to the touch.
Growth Conditions for Cleome noeana Boiss. subsp. brachystyla (Deflers) D.F.Chamb. & Lamond
Light: The Cleome noeana Boiss. subsp. brachystyla plant prefers full sun to partial shade. About 6 hours of direct sunlight is necessary for it to grow properly. When growing indoors, ensure that the plant receives ample bright light for sustained growth.
Temperature: This particular subspecies of Cleome noeana Boiss. is native to the Mediterranean region, and it is therefore adapted to warm temperatures. The plant thrives in areas with daytime temperatures ranging from 20-30°C (68-86°F) and nighttime temperatures ranging from 15-20°C (59-68°F). It is essential to avoid exposing the plant to frost or extremely low temperatures.
Soil Requirements: Cleome noeana Boiss. subsp. brachystyla grows well in various soil types but prefer well-drained soils, with neutral to alkaline pH levels (between 7.0-8.5). It is recommended that the soil pH level should be checked before planting. A soil mixture of 1/3 sand, 1/3 garden soil, and 1/3 composted manure is optimal for growing this plant.
Water: Although the plant is highly tolerant to drought, sufficient watering should be done regularly to encourage growth and development. It is vital to avoid waterlogged conditions. When planting in pots, ensure that they are adequately perforated to prevent stagnation of water around the roots.
Cultivation methods
Cleome noeana Boiss. subsp. brachystyla (Deflers) D.F.Chamb. & Lamond is a hardy plant that grows well in warm temperatures, full sun or partial shade, and well-drained soil with a pH between 5.5 to 7.5. It requires moderate watering during the growing season and can tolerate a dry spell. This plant can be cultivated from the seed, which can be sown in the spring or summer, or from cuttings taken in the early spring.
Watering needs
The watering needs for Cleome noeana Boiss. subsp. brachystyla (Deflers) D.F.Chamb. & Lamond vary based on factors like the weather, soil type, and growth stage of the plant. During the growing season, this plant requires moderate watering that should keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. It can tolerate a dry spell, but prolonged drought could affect its growth and flowering. Overwatering can also be detrimental to this plant, as it may result in root rot or fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Fertilization is critical for the growth and flowering of Cleome noeana Boiss. subsp. brachystyla (Deflers) D.F.Chamb. & Lamond. This plant can benefit from regular application of a balanced fertilizer that contains adequate amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The fertilizer should be applied every two to three weeks during the growing season. However, avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowering.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Cleome noeana Boiss. subsp. brachystyla (Deflers) D.F.Chamb. & Lamond, but it can help in maintaining its shape and promote bushier growth. Pruning can be done in the early spring to remove any dead or damaged stems or in the late summer to encourage secondary flower production. Use clean, sterilized pruning shears to avoid spreading diseases, and cut the stems just above a healthy, outward-facing bud. Avoid cutting more than one-third of the plant's total foliage at any one time.
Propagation of Cleome Noeana Boiss. Subsp. Brachystyla (Deflers) D.F.Chamb. & Lamond
Propagation of Cleome Noeana Boiss. subsp. brachystyla (Deflers) D.F.Chamb. & Lamond can be done through several methods. These include:
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Cleome Noeana is through seed propagation. The seeds can be easily obtained from the mature plants after they have developed their seed pods. After harvesting, the seeds should be kept in a cool and dry place until the planting season arrives. Typically, the seeds are planted in spring after the last frost date when the soil temperature becomes favorable. They should be planted in well-draining soil and kept moist until germination. Typically, germination occurs between 10-14 days.
Stem Cuttings
Another method of propagating Cleome Noeana is through stem cuttings. This method involves taking a cutting from a mature plant and encouraging it to grow roots. To do this, cut a section of the stem about 4-6 inches long and remove the lower leaves. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone and plant it in a soilless growing medium. Keep the soil moist and the cutting should develop roots in 2-3 weeks. Once established, the cutting can be transplanted into a pot or the garden.
Root Division
A third method of propagating Cleome Noeana is through root division. This method involves dividing the root ball of a mature plant into smaller sections and planting them separately. To do this, carefully dig up the mature plant and separate the root ball into sections using a sharp knife. Each section should have at least one growing point and several roots. Replant the divided sections in well-draining soil and keep moist until new growth emerges.
Disease Management for Cleome noeana Boiss. subsp. brachystyla
Just like any other plant, Cleome noeana Boiss subsp. brachystyla is also susceptible to various diseases. Therefore, it is essential to keep an eye on the plants and take appropriate measures to manage the diseases so that they do not harm the plant's growth.
The most common diseases that affect these plants include powdery mildew, bacterial leaf spot, and fungal stem rot.
One of the best ways to control powdery mildew is to avoid over-fertilizing and over-watering the plants. Also, regularly remove affected parts of the plant to prevent it from spreading to other parts. Bacterial leaf spot can be managed by using copper-based fungicides, while fungal stem rot can be prevented by removing affected parts of the plant and treating it with fungicides.
Pest Management for Cleome noeana Boiss. subsp. brachystyla
Just like diseases, pests can also cause damage to Cleome noeana Boiss subsp. brachystyla, leading to a reduction in the plant's growth. The most common pests that affect this plant include spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. These pests can cause discoloration of the leaves, wilting, or even death of the plant if not managed properly.
The best way to manage pest infestations is through regular monitoring of the plants. Once you notice the presence of these pests, you can remove them manually using neem oil or insecticidal soaps. Another management strategy is to attract natural predators to the garden, such as ladybugs and lacewings, which prey on these pests.
Overall, proper disease and pest management practices are essential in ensuring the healthy growth of Cleome noeana Boiss. subsp. brachystyla.
