General Description
Diellia erecta Brack. is a flowering plant species that belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is a small, bushy plant that can grow up to 30 cm tall. The stem is covered with bristly hairs and the leaves are alternately arranged and are long and narrow. The plant bears small, yellow flowers that are arranged in clusters at the end of the stem.
Origin and Distribution
Diellia erecta Brack. is indigenous to South America, particularly in the Andean region. It is found in countries such as Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina. It grows in grasslands, shrublands, and rocky slopes at altitudes between 1000 - 3500 meters.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as "Achicoria del campo" in Spanish, which means "field chicory". In Bolivia, it is called "Qaqha phalli" and in Peru, it is known as "Ilipe".
Uses
The leaves of Diellia erecta Brack. are used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, such as digestive problems, respiratory illnesses, and fever. The plant is also used as a natural insecticide to repel insects such as fleas and mosquitoes. Additionally, it is used to make tea and is consumed as a caffeine-free alternative to coffee.
Light Requirements
The Diellia erecta Brack. plant typically grows well in areas where it can receive full sun or partial shade. It is capable of tolerating direct sunlight, but it also requires shade during particularly hot summer months to prevent burning or stress. If grown indoors, it should be placed near windows where it can receive bright, indirect sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Diellia erecta Brack. is between 15 to 25 °C (59 to 77 °F). It can survive in temperatures as low as 5 °C (41 °F) but will not grow optimally in such conditions. Extremely high temperatures, such as above 35 °C (95 °F), can cause the plant to wilt and die. Overall, a moderate temperature range is preferred to ensure healthy growth.
Soil Requirements
Diellia erecta Brack. thrives in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.0. The plant can tolerate drought conditions to an extent but should not be left to dry out completely. It is also sensitive to water-logging and poor drainage, which can lead to root rot. Adding compost or other organic material to the soil can improve its nutrient content and drainage capabilities.
Cultivation Methods for Diellia Erecta Brack.
Diellia erecta Brack. can be grown both outdoors and indoors in a shaded or semi-shaded environment. The plant prefers well-draining, porous soils that are rich in organic matter such as peat moss, compost, or leaf mold. It is recommended to grow the plant using cuttings as the seeds are hard to come by and may not be viable.
Watering Needs for Diellia Erecta Brack.
Diellia erecta Brack. requires moderate watering. The soil should be kept evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Overwatering may cause root rot, while under-watering may lead to stunted growth. It is advisable to water the plant in the morning or evening to minimize water loss due to evaporation.
Fertilization for Diellia Erecta Brack.
Diellia erecta Brack. should be regularly fertilized with a balanced (10-10-10) water-soluble fertilizer. Fertilization should be done every two weeks or according to the instructions of the fertilizer manufacturer. Over-fertilization should be avoided as it may cause leaf burn and damage.
Pruning for Diellia Erecta Brack.
Diellia erecta Brack. requires little pruning. However, any dead or yellowing leaves should be removed to promote the growth of the healthy leaves. Overgrown branches may also be pruned to maintain the desired shape of the plant. It is recommended to clean pruning shears with rubbing alcohol before and after pruning to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Diellia erecta Brack.
Diellia erecta Brack. can be propagated using various methods such as seeds and cuttings.
Propagation by seeds:
The seeds of Diellia erecta Brack. can be sown during the spring season. The seeds should be collected from mature fruits when they are fully ripe and dried. Before sowing, the seeds should be soaked in water for some hours so that their germination rate can increase. The seeds should be sown in a well-drained potting soil mix and should be covered lightly with soil. They should be kept in a warm and humid place and should be watered regularly. The seeds usually germinate in 3 to 4 weeks.
Propagation by cuttings:
Cuttings can be taken from the mature and healthy stem of the plant. The cutting should be at least 3 inches long and should be taken during the spring season. The bottom end of the cutting should be dipped in a rooting hormone powder to stimulate root growth. Then, the cutting should be placed in a well-drained potting soil mix and should be kept in a warm and humid place. The cutting should be watered regularly and should be protected from direct sunlight. The roots usually develop in 4 to 5 weeks.
Disease Management for Diellia Erecta Brack.
Diellia erecta Brack. is susceptible to several diseases, including;
- Fungal Leaf Spots: The fungal leaf spots' symptoms include small, dark spots with light-colored centers on the leaves. They cause yellowing, wilting, and premature leaf drop. To manage this, remove all the infected leaves and spray with fungicide.
- Crown Rot: This disease causes the plant's stem to rot, and the plant dies off eventually. To manage crown rot, remove all the infected plants and avoid overwatering the plant.
- Root Rot: This disease affects the roots, causing them to turn brown, slimy, and damp. The leaves become yellow and wilt. To manage root rot, remove the infected plant, improve soil drainage, and avoid overwatering.
Pest Management for Diellia Erecta Brack.
Diellia erecta Brack. is also susceptible to pests, including;
- Spider Mites: These pests suck the plant's sap, causing the leaves to turn stippled and yellow. To manage this, isolate the infected plant, spray with an insecticide or neem oil, and ensure that the plant is not stressed due to water levels or insufficient sunlight.
- Scale Insects: These insects are difficult to manage, and they suck sap from the plant's stem, leaves, and roots. They cause yellowing, wilting, and premature leaf drop. To manage scale insects, isolate the infected plant and spray with horticultural oil or insecticide.
- Thrips: These insects feed on the plant's leaves, creating silver-colored lines or spots on the leaves. They also stunt the plant's growth. To manage thrips, isolate the infected plant and spray with insecticide or neem oil.
