Origin
Cymopterus lapidosus (M.E. Jones) M.E. Jones is a species of flowering plant in the Apiaceae family. It is native to the western United States, including Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. It grows on rocky and gravelly soils in desert and semi-desert regions, typically at elevations ranging from 4,500 to 8,000 feet above sea level.
Common Names
Common names for Cymopterus lapidosus include rock springparsley, stone springparsley, Jones' springparsley, and rock cymopterus.
Uses
While Cymopterus lapidosus does not have any known uses in modern medicine, Native American tribes used different parts of the plant for various medicinal purposes. The Navajo people used an infusion of the root as a treatment for diarrhea, while the Hopi people used the infusion for bladder troubles. The Cheyenne used the roots in a poultice for skin sores.
Additionally, the plant's leaves and roots may be used as a seasoning for food. The seeds can be ground and used as a coffee substitute.
General Appearance
Cymopterus lapidosus is a perennial plant that grows up to 10 centimeters tall and up to 30 centimeters wide. It has a taproot system and a branching stem covered in fine, white hairs. The leaves are divided into 3-7 linear segments that are 2-8 centimeters long and 1-2 millimeters wide.
The plant blooms from May to June, producing small clusters of white to pale purple flowers. The flowers are about 2 millimeters in diameter and have five tiny petals. The plant's fruit is an oblong, ribbed structure that is about 2 millimeters long and 1 millimeter wide, containing two seeds.
Cymopterus lapidosus is often mistaken for a weed due its small size and inconspicuous flowers. However, it is an important part of the desert ecosystem, providing food and habitat for various insect species.
Growth Conditions for Cymopterus lapidosus (M.E. Jones) M.E. Jones
Light: Cymopterus lapidosus thrives in full sun conditions, although it can also tolerate partial shade. Adequate light is necessary for the plant's photosynthetic processes and overall growth.
Temperature: This plant grows best in regions with a semi-arid to arid climate. It can withstand a broad range of temperatures, from as low as -12°C to as high as 29°C. Nevertheless, it seems to thrive in warmer and drier conditions.
Soil: Cymopterus lapidosus prefers soils that are sandy with excellent drainage. It can also grow well in gravely soils, rocky outcrops, cliffs and crevices, and dry slopes. The ideal pH range of the soil for this plant is between 6.5-7.5. Additionally, it requires soils rich in organic matter to promote healthy growth.
Cultivation Methods
Cymopterus lapidosus, commonly known as the rock cymopterus, requires a dry and well-drained soil to grow properly. This plant grows well in full sun and can tolerate partial shade. It is best to plant the seeds of this plant in late fall or early spring.
Watering Needs
Rock cymopterus requires a small amount of water to grow correctly. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid overwatering this plant. Watering should only occur when the soil has become dry. Watering should be done at the base of the plant, preventing water from spraying on the leaves.
Fertilization
Fertilization is not necessary for rock cymopterus. However, if the soil is depleted of nutrients, you can add a small amount of slow-release fertilizer when planting to get the plant started. The use of fertilizer should be sparing and not done in excess of what the plant needs.
Pruning
Rock cymopterus does not require pruning as it has a natural growth habit that does not require trimming. However, pruning can be done to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased parts from the plant. Additionally, pruning can help shape the plant and keep it looking tidy.
Propagation Methods of Cymopterus lapidosus
Cymopterus lapidosus is most commonly propagated via seeds, but it can also be propagated through division or cloning. It is important to understand each propagation method in order to properly propagate and care for Cymopterus lapidosus.
Seed Propagation of Cymopterus lapidosus
Seeds are the most common way to propagate Cymopterus lapidosus. The plant produces small, oblong seeds that should be collected when the seed heads begin to dry out in the fall. It is important to make sure the seeds are fully ripe before harvesting. Seeds can be kept in a cool, dry place until ready to be planted in the spring.
In the spring, Cymopterus lapidosus seeds can be planted in a well-draining soil mix in a sunny location. Seeds should be sown thinly and covered with a very thin layer of soil. The soil should be kept consistently moist until the seedlings begin to emerge in about two to three weeks. Once the seedlings have emerged, they can be thinned to about six inches apart.
Division Propagation of Cymopterus lapidosus
Cymopterus lapidosus can also be propagated through division. This method involves separating an established plant into smaller sections, each with their own roots, in order to create new plants.
The best time to divide Cymopterus lapidosus is in the spring when the new growth emerges. The plant should be carefully dug up and then divided into smaller sections. These sections can then be planted in a well-draining soil mix in a sunny location.
Cloning Propagation of Cymopterus lapidosus
Cymopterus lapidosus can also be propagated through cloning, which involves taking a cutting from an established plant and then rooting it to create a new plant.
The best time to take a cutting of Cymopterus lapidosus is in the spring when new growth emerges. Cuttings should be taken from the stem tips and should include at least two nodes. The cuttings should then be dipped in a rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mix. The soil should be kept consistently moist until the cuttings have rooted, which usually takes about four to six weeks.
With proper care and attention, Cymopterus lapidosus can be easily propagated using any of these three methods.
Disease Management
Cymopterus lapidosus is susceptible to several diseases, including fungal pathogens that cause leaf spots and stem rot. To manage these diseases, it is important to maintain good sanitation practices and provide proper plant care. Remove infected plant parts and dispose of them properly to prevent the spread of disease. Avoid overhead watering, as excess moisture can create favorable conditions for fungal growth. Use a fungicide according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Pest Management
Cymopterus lapidosus may be affected by several pests, including aphids, spider mites, and grasshoppers. To manage these pests, it is important to monitor the plant regularly and take action at the first sign of infestation. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control aphids and spider mites. For grasshoppers, use physical barriers or natural predators like birds. Avoid using broad-spectrum insecticides that can harm beneficial insects.
It is important to note that preventing pest and disease problems in Cymopterus lapidosus is often easier than treating them. Provide proper plant care, including proper watering, fertilization, and soil management. Choose disease-resistant varieties when possible and rotate crops to prevent the buildup of pest and disease populations. Finally, maintain good garden hygiene by removing debris and dead plant material promptly.
