Origin and Common Names
Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy var. longipes Maire, commonly known as Shankhapushpi, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Convolvulaceae family. This plant is native to India and it grows in the temperate and subtropical regions of the country. The plant is commonly found in the Himalayan range, North India, and Deccan.Appearance
The plant has a trailing habit and can grow up to a length of 2 meters. It has a woody root and the stem is green, hairy, and quadrangular. The leaves are alternate, ovate, and have a pointed tip. The leaf size varies from 1.5-5 cm in length and width. The flowers are funnel-shaped and usually white to pale pink in color. The fruits are capsules that contain black seeds.Uses
Shankhapushpi is known for its medicinal properties. The plant is used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat a variety of ailments including anxiety, stress, insomnia, epilepsy, memory loss, and gastrointestinal disorders. Shankhapushpi is known to have a calming effect on the mind and helps in improving concentration and memory. The plant is also used in the treatment of high blood pressure, asthma, and diabetes. In addition, Shankhapushpi is used in cosmetic products due to its anti-aging and skin-protecting properties. In conclusion, Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy var. longipes Maire is a valuable medicinal plant that is widely used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Its calming effect on the mind, ability to improve memory, and other health benefits make it a highly sought-after herb.Growth Conditions for Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy var. longipes Maire
Light: The Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy var. longipes Maire plant typically grows in full sun to partial shade. It thrives in an environment with plenty of sunlight, but it can tolerate some shade as well.
Temperature: This plant is native to Mediterranean climates, and it prefers a warm environment with temperatures ranging from 18 to 27°C (64 to 81°F). It can tolerate cooler temperatures but may not grow as well or produce as many blooms.
Soil: Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy var. longipes Maire prefers a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A neutral to slightly alkaline soil with a pH of 7 to 7.5 is ideal. The soil should be moist, but not waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot.
Water: This plant needs regular watering during the growing season to keep the soil moist. However, it is important not to overwater it or let the soil become waterlogged. Too much water can lead to root rot and other diseases. During the winter months, watering should be reduced to prevent the soil from becoming too damp.
Fertilizer: Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy var. longipes Maire benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be applied every two weeks. Fertilizer should be reduced or eliminated during the winter months when the plant is dormant.
Propagation: This plant can be propagated from seed or from stem cuttings. Seed should be sown in the spring, and stem cuttings can be taken in the summer. Propagation may be challenging, and some expertise may be necessary for the successful growth of Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy var. longipes Maire.
Cultivation methods
Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy var. longipes Maire is typically grown from seeds in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. The best time to sow the seeds is during the early spring, ensuring the soil temperature is at least 15°C. It's important to maintain soil moisture levels to promote healthy growth.
Watering needs
The plant needs regular watering, especially during hot and dry weather conditions. Water at the base to prevent the leaves from getting wet, which can promote the growth of fungal diseases. Reduce watering during colder months to avoid water-logging the soil, which can cause root rot.
Fertilization
Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy var. longipes Maire requires moderate fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer every four to six weeks during the growing season to promote vegetative growth and flowering. Over-fertilization can cause salt buildup and damage the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is not usually required for Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy var. longipes Maire. However, deadheading the flowers can encourage the plant to produce more blooms and extend the flowering period. If the plant becomes too leggy, you can trim the stems to encourage branching and promote bushier growth.
Propagation of Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy var. longipes Maire
Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy var. longipes Maire, commonly known as Shankhapushpi, is a shrub that belongs to the Convolvulaceae family. It is widely known for its medicinal properties and is used in Ayurveda as a nervine tonic and memory enhancer. The plant can be propagated using several methods:
Seed propagation
Convolvulus pluricaulis seeds can be sown directly into the soil during the spring season, after the danger of frost has passed. The seeds should be sown 1cm deep and at least 15cm apart. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, until the seeds germinate, which usually takes around 2-3 weeks.
Vegetative propagation
Convolvulus pluricaulis can be propagated vegetatively using stem cuttings. During the spring or early summer, select healthy, disease-free stems from the parent plant. Cut a 6-8 inch long stem from below a leaf node and remove all the leaves except the top two or three. Dip the cut end of the stem into a rooting hormone, and plant it in a pot filled with a mixture of sand and peat moss. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in partial shade until the stem develops roots, which usually takes 4-6 weeks.
Air-layering
Air-layering is another effective propagation method for Convolvulus pluricaulis. During the spring or early summer, select a healthy, disease-free stem from the parent plant. Cut a small slit into the stem's bark and wrap a small ball of wet sphagnum moss around the cut. Wrap the moss with plastic wrap and secure it in place with wire or string. In a few weeks, roots will grow from the moss, and you can cut the new plant from the parent plant and transplant it into a pot.
Disease and Pest Management for Convolvulus Pluricaulis Choisy var. Longipes Maire
Convolvulus Pluricaulis Choisy var. Longipes Maire is a popular medicinal plant in Ayurveda and Unani systems of medicine. However, like all plants, it is susceptible to diseases and pests that can affect its growth and yield. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and how to manage them.
Diseases
Damping-off: This is a fungal disease that affects the seedlings of Convolvulus Pluricaulis. It is characterized by the rotting of the stem at the soil line. To prevent damping-off, use sterilized soil, ensure proper drainage, and avoid overwatering. Fungicides can also be used to control the disease.
Leaf spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of Convolvulus Pluricaulis. It is characterized by the appearance of circular or irregular spots on the leaves. To control leaf spot, avoid overhead watering, remove infected leaves, and use fungicides.
Root rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the roots of Convolvulus Pluricaulis. It is characterized by the rotting of the roots. To prevent root rot, avoid overwatering and improve soil drainage. Fungicides can also be used to control the disease.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small insects that suck sap from the leaves and stems of Convolvulus Pluricaulis. They can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. To control aphids, spray the plant with a solution of water and dish soap or use insecticides.
Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny insects that feed on the undersides of the leaves of Convolvulus Pluricaulis. They can cause yellowing and stippling of the leaves. To control spider mites, spray the plant with a solution of water and soap or use insecticides.
Cutworms: Cutworms are caterpillars that cut the stems of young Convolvulus Pluricaulis plants. To control cutworms, handpick them off the plant, use barriers such as collars or netting, or use insecticides.
By taking prompt action to manage diseases and pests, you can ensure that your Convolvulus Pluricaulis plants grow healthy and strong.
