Overview
Cochlearia officinalis L. ssp. groenlandica (L.) Porsild, commonly known as Greenland scurvygrass, is a plant species belonging to the Brassicaceae family. It is primarily found in the Arctic and subarctic regions of North America, Europe, and Asia.
Appearance
Greenland scurvygrass is a low-growing, herbaceous perennial plant that reaches a height of 5 to 20 cm. It has a thick and fleshy taproot and a basal rosette of leaves. The leaves are spatula-shaped and can be up to 5 cm long and 1 cm wide. The flowers are small, white, and have four petals. The plant produces small, round, black seeds.
Common Names
Greenland scurvygrass is also commonly known as Arctic scurvygrass, sourgrass, and mountain scurvygrass. The name "scurvygrass" is derived from its historical use as a source of vitamin C to prevent scurvy in sailors on long sea voyages.
Uses
Greenland scurvygrass is a traditional food and medicinal plant of the Arctic and subarctic regions. The plant contains high levels of vitamin C, which makes it a valuable dietary supplement in areas with limited fresh produce. The plant has also been used to treat scurvy, rheumatism, and respiratory infections. In addition to its medicinal properties, Greenland scurvygrass has edible leaves that can be added to salads or used as a seasoning.
Light Requirements
Cochlearia officinalis L. ssp. groenlandica (L.) Porsild prefers full sunlight to partial shade for optimal growth. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day to develop strong stems and leaves.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species generally grows well in cool to cold temperatures. It is adapted to the harsh conditions of arctic and sub-arctic regions, where temperatures can drop below freezing. The optimal temperature range for Cochlearia officinalis L. ssp. groenlandica (L.) Porsild is between 5°C to 15°C. It can tolerate some fluctuations in temperature, but extreme temperatures could stunt its growth or cause damage.
Soil Requirements
Cochlearia officinalis L. ssp. groenlandica (L.) Porsild prefers well-drained, moist soils that are rich in organic matter. It can grow in a range of soil types, including sand, loam, or clay, but the soil should have a pH value between 6.0 and 7.5 for best performance. The plant is adapted to grow in soils that are rich in nitrogen and other nutrients, such as phosphate and potassium. Adding organic matter to the soil before planting can enhance its growth and improve the soil quality.
Cultivation methods
Cochlearia officinalis L. ssp. groenlandica (L.) Porsild is a hardy plant that grows well in cool and damp climates. It can be grown in a variety of soils, but it prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The plant requires direct sunlight to thrive, and it is best grown in an open area exposed to the sun.
The ideal time to sow the seeds of Cochlearia officinalis L. ssp. groenlandica (L.) Porsild is in the spring, after the last frost has passed. The seeds can be sown directly outdoors, or they can be started indoors before being transplanted outside once they are 4-5 weeks old.
Watering needs
Cochlearia officinalis L. ssp. groenlandica (L.) Porsild requires consistent watering. It prefers moist soil, and the soil should never be allowed to dry out. Overwatering should be avoided, as it can cause root rot and other issues. The best way to water the plant is by using a drip irrigation system or a watering can. Water should be applied at the base of the plant, and not on the leaves or flowers.
Fertilization
Cochlearia officinalis L. ssp. groenlandica (L.) Porsild does not require a lot of fertilization. It is a low-maintenance plant that can grow well without any added fertilizers. However, if the soil is poor or depleted, applying a slow-release fertilizer can help provide the necessary nutrients for the plant to grow well. The best time to fertilize the plant is in early spring, before new growth emerges.
Pruning
Cochlearia officinalis L. ssp. groenlandica (L.) Porsild does not require a lot of pruning. However, it is important to remove any dead, diseased or damaged foliage regularly. This will help prevent the spread of disease and promote healthy growth. The best time to prune the plant is in early spring, when new growth is just starting to emerge. The plant can be trimmed to maintain its shape and size, but excessive pruning should be avoided as it can weaken the plant.
Propagation of Cochlearia officinalis L. ssp. groenlandica (L.) Porsild
Cochlearia officinalis L. ssp. groenlandica (L.) Porsild, commonly known as Greenland scurvygrass, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It is a hardy plant that is well adapted to cold and wet environments, and it is native to the coastal regions of Greenland and northern Canada. The plant is known for its high vitamin C content and has been historically used to treat scurvy by Arctic explorers and sailors.
Propagation Methods
Cochlearia officinalis L. ssp. groenlandica (L.) Porsild can be propagated using several methods, including seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed propagation: The easiest way to propagate Cochlearia officinalis L. ssp. groenlandica (L.) Porsild is through seed propagation. The seeds should be sown during the early spring in a seed tray filled with a superior quality, well-draining potting mix. After sowing, the seeds should be lightly covered with soil, and the tray should be kept in a well-lit area. Germination generally takes place within 10 to 15 days. Once the seedlings have grown big enough, they can be transferred into 10 cm pots and moved to a bright and well-ventilated location before transferring them further outdoors in the early summer.
Vegetative propagation: Cochlearia officinalis L. ssp. groenlandica (L.) Porsild can also be propagated vegetatively using root division. This method is usually used when the plant needs to be divided or moved to a new location. The best time to do this is in the fall when the plant starts to go into dormancy. To do this, you need to dig up the whole plant and carefully remove the roots without damaging them. Then separate the roots into several sections and replant each section into a pot or a desirable location. After replanting, be sure to keep the plant well-watered until new growth appears.
Disease Management
Cochlearia officinalis L. ssp. groenlandica (L.) Porsild is susceptible to various fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, downy mildew, and leaf spot. These diseases can weaken the plant and reduce its yield.
To manage powdery mildew, it is recommended to remove infected leaves and destroy them. Avoid overhead watering and ensure adequate airflow around the plant. Fungicides such as sulfur and neem oil can also help prevent the spread of powdery mildew.
Downy mildew can be managed by keeping the plant dry and providing good ventilation. Fungicides containing copper or mancozeb can also be used to control the disease.
Leaf spot can be managed by removing infected leaves and destroying them. Avoid overhead watering and ensure the soil around the plant is well-drained. Fungicides containing copper or chlorothalonil can also help prevent the spread of leaf spot.
Pest Management
Cochlearia officinalis L. ssp. groenlandica (L.) Porsild may also be affected by pests such as aphids and caterpillars. These pests can cause damage to the leaves and reduce the yield of the plant.
To manage aphids, it is recommended to encourage natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings. Insecticidal soaps or oils can also be used to control aphids. However, these should be applied early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid harming beneficial insects.
Caterpillars can be controlled by handpicking or using Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) which is a natural pesticide that targets only caterpillars.
Regular monitoring of the plants for signs of disease and pests can help prevent major outbreaks. Also, maintaining good cultural practices such as proper watering, fertilization, and pruning can help keep the plant healthy and reduce its susceptibility to diseases and pests.
