Origin of Descurainia torulosa Rollins
Descurainia torulosa Rollins, commonly known as Mountain tansy mustard or Rollins' Tansymustard, belongs to the plant family Brassicaceae. The plant is native to North America, including the Western United States and Northern Mexico.
General Appearance of Descurainia torulosa Rollins
Descurainia torulosa is an herbaceous annual plant that typically grows to a height of 10 to 60 cm. The plant has thin and branching stems with small, delicate, and feathery leaves that are green-gray or green-blue in color. The flowers of the plant are bright yellow and small, with four petals that have a cruciform shape.
Common names of Descurainia torulosa Rollins
Descurainia torulosa Rollins is commonly known as mountain tansy-mustard or Rollins' tansymustard in English. In Spanish, the plant is referred to as mostaza torulosa.
Uses of Descurainia torulosa Rollins
Descurainia torulosa has been traditionally used by the indigenous people of North America for various medicinal purposes. The plant has been used as a diuretic, purgative, and emetic. It has also been used to treat respiratory ailments such as coughs, colds, and asthma.
In addition to its medicinal properties, the plant is also used for its culinary purposes. The seed pods of Descurainia torulosa can be ground into a powder and used as a condiment.
Descurainia torulosa is also used for restoration of disturbed lands in North America. The plant has been found to be tolerant to a range of soil and environmental conditions and can grow on disturbed and degraded soils.
Light Requirements
Descurainia torulosa Rollins is a plant that thrives well in direct sunlight. It is a sun-loving plant and requires a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight each day. Therefore, planting it in an open and sunny location is highly recommended. Limited exposure to sunlight may result in stunted growth.
Temperature Tolerance
Descurainia torulosa Rollins grows best under average temperatures between 60 - 80°F (15 - 26°C). The plant can tolerate freezing temperatures but must be protected from frost damage during cold periods. Therefore, it is essential to monitor the temperature during colder months and provide adequate protection.
Soil Requirements
The soil plays a vital role in the growth and development of Descurainia torulosa Rollins. The plant thrives well in well-draining and fertile soils. The ideal soil pH level must range between 5.5 to 7.5. It can tolerate slightly acidic soils, but growth may be slower. The plant requires moderate moisture, and soil that retains water may cause root rot and stunt growth. Therefore, it is advisable to plant the Descurainia torulosa Rollins in well-drained soil.
Cultivation of Descurainia torulosa Rollins
Descurainia torulosa Rollins, also known as tansy mustard, is a hardy plant that is easy to cultivate. It is suitable for growing in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 to 9, and can thrive in a range of soil types, including sandy, clayey, and loamy soils. This plant can be grown from seeds which require light to germinate. Sow the seeds in full or partial sun, either directly in the ground or in containers. If planting in containers, make sure they have drainage holes.
Watering Descurainia torulosa Rollins
This plant requires moderate watering, especially during the growing season. Water it deeply once or twice a week, depending on how quickly the soil dries out. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant sparingly during the winter months, when its growth slows down.
Fertilizing Descurainia torulosa Rollins
Descurainia torulosa Rollins doesn't require much fertilizer. You can apply a slow-release fertilizer to the soil in the spring, before the plant begins to grow. You can also feed it with a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formula, every three to four weeks during the growing season. Use half the recommended amount to avoid over-fertilization.
Pruning Descurainia torulosa Rollins
Descurainia torulosa Rollins doesn't require much pruning. However, if you want to encourage bushier growth, you can pinch back the stems when they reach 6 inches in height. This will promote branching, and result in a fuller plant. After the plant has finished flowering, you can remove the spent blooms to prevent self-seeding.
Propagation of Descurainia Torulosa Rollins
Descurainia torulosa Rollins is propagated both through seeds and stem cuttings. The propagation method to be used will depend on the resources available, purpose and timing of the planting.
Propagation through Seeds
The first step in propagating through seeds is to collect mature seeds from a healthy parent plant. The seeds can be harvested when they turn brown and start to fall from the parent plant. After harvesting, the seeds should be properly dried and stored under cool and dry conditions. This will help in maintaining seed viability.
Before sowing, the seeds should be scarified to allow for easy water absorption. This can be achieved by soaking the seeds in hot water for 12-24hours, followed by a soak in cold water for another 8-12hours. After scarification, the seeds can be sown in prepared beds or pots filled with well-draining soil. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil, and kept moist until germination.
Propagation through Stem Cuttings
Propagation through stem cuttings is a quicker way of getting new Descurainia torulosa Rollins plants. Cuttings should be collected from healthy parent plants, and they should be at least 6 inches long. The cuttings should be taken in the early morning when the parent plant is well-hydrated.
Next, the cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone solution to encourage root development. The cuttings should then be planted in a well-draining potting mix, and placed under a warm and humid environment. The cutting should be kept moist by spraying it with water regularly, and after 2-3 weeks, rooting should occur.
After rooting, the cuttings can be transplanted to a permanent location where they can grow to maturity.
Disease Management for Descurainia torulosa Rollins
Descurainia torulosa Rollins is generally resistant to most plant diseases. However, some infections that may occur on this plant include:
1. Powdery mildew: This disease appears as a white, powdery substance coating the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, remove infected parts immediately and apply a fungicide.
2. Alternaria leaf spot: This disease appears as small brown or black spots on the leaves. Ensure proper sanitation practices and irrigate the plant early in the day to reduce moisture on the leaves, which creates a favorable environment for the infection to spread. An application of fungicide can also help to manage the disease.
Pest Management for Descurainia torulosa Rollins
Descurainia torulosa Rollins is also generally pest-resistant. However, some of the pests that may attack the plant include:
1. Aphids: These tiny insects suck sap from the plant, causing the leaves to curl and distort. Aphids can be treated using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
2. Cabbage loopers: Cabbage loopers are caterpillars that create holes in the leaves of the plant. They can be manually removed or treated using Bacillus thuringiensis.
3. Whiteflies: These tiny insects feed on the sap of the plant, causing it to wilt and weaken. They can be treated using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Regular inspection and monitoring of the plant can help to identify pests or diseases in their early stages when they are easier to manage. Proper hygiene practices and correct watering schedules can also help to reduce the likelihood of these problems occurring.
