Plant Description:
Cotula quinquefida Thunb., commonly known as Five-fingered cotula or Five-finger (Afrikaans), is a ground-covering perennial plant belonging to the daisy (Asteraceae) family. The plant is native to South Africa, but can now be found in many other parts of the world, including Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Europe.
General Appearance:
The plant has small, rounded, serrated leaves, which are pale green in color, and have a distinctive pungent smell. The leaves grow in a rosette formation close to the ground, and can spread up to 50cm in diameter. The plant produces small, daisy-like yellow flowers from spring to autumn, on stalks that rise above the leaves to a height of up to 20cm.
Common Names:
Five-fingered cotula is known by various other common names depending on the region. In addition to Five-finger, it is also called:
- Starweed
- Creeping cotula
- Pennywort
- Mat grass
- Dwarf Cape marigold
Uses:
Cotula quinquefida Thunb. is grown for various purposes. In its native South Africa, it is used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of conditions, including skin irritations, headaches, and fever. Additionally, the plant's leaves can be used to make an insect repellent, and the plant itself can be used as a natural ground cover to prevent soil erosion. In horticulture, the plant is used as a garden ornamental plant, due to its attractive yellow flowers and ability to form a natural, low-growing, ground cover.
Light Requirements:
Cotula quinquefida Thunb. can grow in full sun to partial shade environments. However, it needs at least a few hours of direct sunlight per day to maintain its health and growth.
Temperature Requirements:
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Cotula quinquefida Thunb. is between 18 to 27°C. They can tolerate higher temperatures but do not grow well in colder temperatures. The minimum temperature required for the plant's survival is around 10°C.
Soil Requirements:
Cotula quinquefida Thunb. prefers well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH level (6.5 to 7.0). It can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy or clayey soils. However, they cannot tolerate waterlogged or poorly drained soils and are not salt tolerant.
Cultivation Methods
The Cotula quinquefida Thunb., also known as "Creeping Cotula," is a perennial herb that spreads up to two feet in width. The plant thrives in well-draining soil with a neutral pH level. This plant prefers full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade. It is recommended to propagate the plant through seeds, cuttings, or division of the root ball.
Watering Needs
The Cotula quinquefida Thunb. has average water needs. It is recommended to water the soil deeply and only when it is dry to touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other diseases. Avoid getting water on the leaves to prevent fungal growth.
Fertilization
It is recommended to fertilize the Cotula quinquefida Thunb. every two to four weeks during the growing season, using a balanced fertilizer. Use a slow-release fertilizer for container-grown plants. Avoid over-fertilization, which can damage the plant.
Pruning
The Cotula quinquefida Thunb. requires minimal pruning. Remove any dead or damaged leaves and stems to maintain a tidy appearance. Trim back any straggly growth to encourage bushy growth. Prune back the plant after flowering to maintain its shape.
Propagation of Cotula quinquefida Thunb.
Cotula quinquefida Thunb., commonly known as the Fivefinger cotula, is a mat-forming perennial plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. The plant is native to South Africa and is commonly found in sandy coastal areas and rocky outcrops. It grows well in full sun to partial shade and requires moderate watering.
Propagation methods
Cotula quinquefida Thunb. can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, or division. Each of these methods has its advantages and disadvantages.
Propagation by seeds
Propagation of Cotula quinquefida Thunb. by seed is relatively easy. Seeds are produced in abundance and can be collected by hand when they are ripe. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining seed-raising mix in late summer and kept moist until germination. Germination can take between two and four weeks, and once seedlings have emerged, they should be transplanted to individual pots or a well-prepared garden bed.
Propagation by cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is also an effective method of propagating Cotula quinquefida Thunb. Softwood cuttings taken in early spring or late summer from healthy, disease-free plants are the most successful. Cuttings should be around 5-10cm long and stripped of their lower leaves before being planted in a well-draining propagating mix. Once planted, cuttings should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, until roots have formed and new growth has appeared.
Propagation by division
Propagation by division is the simplest and quickest method of propagating Cotula quinquefida Thunb. This method involves dividing a mature plant into smaller pieces, each containing its roots and foliage. Division is best done in early spring when the plant is just starting to grow. The plant should be lifted from the ground and the root mass divided into smaller sections. Each section should be replanted as soon as possible in a well-prepared garden bed.
By using any of these methods, one can propagate Cotula quinquefida Thunb. easily and enjoy its beautiful yellow flowers all year round.
Disease and Pest Management for Cotula quinquefida Thunb.
Cotula quinquefida Thunb. is a low-growing, evergreen plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is generally a hardy plant that is not affected by many pests and diseases. However, the plant might sometimes attract a few pests, which can cause damage to it.
Common Pests
1. Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant. They are usually found on the underside of leaves and on new growth. They cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves and can also transmit viral diseases. They can be controlled by using insecticides or by spraying a solution of soapy water on the leaves.
2. Thrips: Thrips are tiny, black insects that feed on the leaves and flowers of the plant. They cause silvering of the leaves and can also transmit viral diseases. They can be controlled by using insecticides or by spraying a solution of soapy water on the leaves.
3. Whiteflies: Whiteflies are tiny, white insects that suck the sap from the plant. They cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves, and can also transmit viral diseases. They can be controlled by using insecticides or by spraying a solution of soapy water on the leaves.
Common Diseases
1. Root Rot: Root rot is caused by overwatering or poor drainage. The roots become waterlogged and start to rot, which can lead to the death of the plant. To prevent root rot, make sure that the plant is not overwatered and that the soil has good drainage.
2. Fusarium Wilt: Fusarium wilt is a fungal disease that affects the plant's vascular system. It causes wilting and yellowing of the leaves and can eventually lead to the death of the plant. There is no cure for fusarium wilt, so the infected plant should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the disease.
3. Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the plant. It causes white, powdery spots on the leaves, which can eventually lead to the death of the plant. It can be controlled by using fungicides or by improving the air circulation around the plant.
To keep the Cotula quinquefida Thunb. healthy, it is essential to inspect the plants regularly and take appropriate measures to control pests and diseases as soon as they are detected. Using organic pest control methods is always the safest method for both the plant and the environment.
