Overview
Cordylanthus eremicus (Coville & Morton) Munz ssp. eremicus, commonly known as Mojave bird’s beak, is an endangered plant species native to California and Nevada. This annual herb belongs to the family Orobanchaceae, commonly known as the broomrape family.Description
Mojave bird’s beak is a small, erect annual herb that grows up to 10-50 cm tall. Its leaves are narrow and linear, measuring about 0.5-3 cm long and 0.5-1.5 mm wide. The flowers are small and tubular, measuring about 6-13 mm long with a pinkish-purple hue.Uses
Mojave bird’s beak has no known medicinal or commercial uses. However, it has significant ecological importance as a host plant for the endangered desert tortoise and provides a valuable source of food for pollinators.Conservation Status
Cordylanthus eremicus ssp. eremicus is a federally endangered species due to habitat destruction and fragmentation resulting from human activities such as urbanization, mining, and off-road vehicle use. Various conservation efforts have been implemented to protect the species, including habitat restoration projects, population monitoring, and the establishment of conservation reserves.Light Requirements:
Cordylanthus eremicus (Coville & Morton) Munz ssp. eremicus is a plant species that requires full sun for optimal growth. The plant can survive in areas that receive partial shade, but flowering may be limited in such conditions.
Temperature Requirements:
The plant species does well in areas with warm temperatures. Typically, the ideal temperature range for Cordylanthus eremicus (Coville & Morton) Munz ssp. eremicus is between 25 and 35°C. The plant species can survive in areas with temperatures above or below this range, but growth and development may be significantly impacted.
Soil Requirements:
Cordylanthus eremicus (Coville & Morton) Munz ssp. eremicus is an adaptable species that can grow in various types of soils. However, the species prefers well-draining sandy soils that are moderately rich in organic matter. The plant does not grow well in water-logged or alkaline soils.
Cultivation Methods
Cordylanthus eremicus ssp. eremicus is a native plant of California that adapts well to growing in a variety of soil types and climates. It has a taproot system and forms a dense bushy shrub with small leaves and pinkish-purple flowers in summer. The plant prefers full sun exposure and is tolerant of drought conditions. It can be grown from seed or propagated from cuttings or root divisions.
Watering Needs
Cordylanthus eremicus ssp. eremicus is a drought-tolerant plant that does not require frequent watering. When establishing the plant, it is essential to water it regularly until it becomes established. After that, it should be watered sparingly, only when the soil appears dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot and cause the plant to decline.
Fertilization
Cordylanthus eremicus ssp. eremicus requires little to no fertilization, as it is adapted to low-nutrient soils. However, if you want to provide some nutrients to your plants, use a balanced fertilizer with low nitrogen levels to avoid excessive vegetative growth and favor flower production. Apply the fertilizer sparingly in the spring, just as new growth appears.
Pruning
Pruning Cordylanthus eremicus ssp. eremicus is not necessary, but it can help maintain plant health and shape. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring when it is still dormant. Only remove the dead and damaged branches or those that cross and rub against each other. Avoid cutting back all the stems, as the plant produces flowers only on new growth.
Propagation of Cordylanthus eremicus ssp. eremicus
Cordylanthus eremicus ssp. eremicus, commonly known as desert bird's beak, is a perennial herb native to the southwestern United States, including Arizona, California, and Nevada. It is a rare plant that grows in desert scrub, chaparral, and oak woodland habitats at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 7,000 feet. Propagation of Cordylanthus eremicus ssp. eremicus can be done in several ways, including by seed, cuttings, or division.
Propagation by Seed
Seeds of Cordylanthus eremicus ssp. eremicus can be collected from mature plants in the late summer or early fall and stored for later use. The seeds require stratification, a period of cold temperature, to break dormancy and promote germination. This can be achieved by sowing the seeds in a pot in the fall or winter and placing them in a cold frame or refrigerator for several weeks. The seeds can then be sown in the spring in a well-drained potting medium and kept moist until germination.
Propagation by Cuttings
Cuttings of Cordylanthus eremicus ssp. eremicus can be taken in the early summer when the plant is actively growing. Select a healthy stem about 4 to 6 inches long and remove the leaves from the lower half. Dip the cut end in a rooting hormone and plant it in a well-drained potting medium. Keep the cutting moist and in a shaded area until roots have formed, then transplant it to a larger pot or outside into a well-drained area.
Propagation by Division
Division is a propagation method that involves separating a portion of the plant from the main plant and repotting it as a separate entity. Cordylanthus eremicus ssp. eremicus can be divided in the early spring before new growth begins. Carefully remove the plant from the pot or ground and gently separate the root ball into several sections. Each divided section should have a portion of the rhizome and several stems. Repot the divided sections in well-drained potting medium or transplant them to a well-drained area.
Disease Management
Cordylanthus eremicus ssp. eremicus is susceptible to various diseases, including fungal and bacterial infections. The most common diseases that affect this plant are:
- Verticillium wilt: This soil-borne fungal disease causes yellowing and wilting of the leaves, eventually leading to death. Crop rotation and maintaining soil moisture can help manage this disease.
- Botrytis blight: This fungal disease forms gray mold on leaves, stems, and flowers, leading to their decay. Avoid overcrowding and provide good ventilation to manage this disease.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes circular dark spots on leaves, leading to their defoliation. Removing infected foliage and applying fungicides can help manage this disease.
To manage these diseases, it's crucial to implement proper sanitation practices, such as removing infected plant debris, and providing adequate air circulation and soil drainage. Fungicides and bactericides can also be applied, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Pest Management
Cordylanthus eremicus ssp. eremicus is usually not highly susceptible to pest infestations. However, some common pests that might affect this plant are:
- Aphids: These sap-sucking insects can cause distortion and yellowing of leaves. Using insecticidal soap or neem oil can help manage these pests.
- Spider mites: These tiny arachnids feed on the plant's sap and cause yellowing and stippling of leaves. Introducing predators such as ladybugs can help manage these pests, or using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Thrips: These small, slender insects scrape on the plant's surface, causing distortion and discoloration of leaves. Predatory mites or insecticidal soap can help manage these pests.
To manage these pests, it's important to regularly inspect the plant for signs of infestation and implement proper sanitation practices, as well as cultural controls such as weed management and proper irrigation. Insecticides can be used if necessary, following the manufacturer's instructions.
