Origin
Digera alternifolia (L.) Asch. var. stenophylla Suess. is a plant native to the Middle East and North Africa regions.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known as Narrow-leaved Amaranth, Green Amaranth, and Arabian Amaranth.
Appearance
Digera alternifolia (L.) Asch. var. stenophylla Suess. is an annual herb that can grow up to 60 cm in height. The leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, measuring between 2 and 7 cm in length and 0.5 to 1 cm in width. The plant produces small flowers that are green with pink or violet tips and grow in clusters at the end of the stems. The fruits are small, round, and contain a single seed.
Uses
Digera alternifolia (L.) Asch. var. stenophylla Suess. has many traditional medicinal uses. The plant is used to treat various ailments, including digestive disorders, diarrhea, and dysentery. Its decoction is used as a diuretic and for the treatment of coughs, sore throats, and fever. The leaves and stem of the plant are also used in making salads and soups in some parts of the world.
Light Requirements
Digera alternifolia var. stenophylla Suess. typically grows best in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate high levels of sunlight but may require more shade in warmer climates.
Temperature Requirements
Digera alternifolia var. stenophylla Suess. prefers warm temperatures and is often found growing in subtropical and tropical areas. It requires a minimum temperature of 15°C (59°F) and can tolerate temperatures up to 40°C (104°F) if given adequate water.
Soil Requirements
This plant can grow in a variety of soils, including loamy, sandy, and rocky soils. It prefers well-drained soils with a pH range of 6 to 8. It benefits from the addition of organic matter to the soil.
Cultivation of Digera alternifolia (L.) Asch. var. stenophylla Suess.
Digera alternifolia (L.) Asch. var. stenophylla Suess. is a hardy plant that can grow in various soil types, including sandy to loamy soils. However, it prefers well-draining soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6-7. It can also tolerate slightly saline or alkaline soils.
The plant can be propagated by seeds or stem cuttings. The ideal time for sowing the seeds is in early spring, while the best time for taking stem cuttings is during early summer.
Watering Needs
In its early stages of growth, Digera alternifolia (L.) Asch. var. stenophylla Suess. requires regular watering. After the plant has matured, it becomes more drought-resistant and requires less watering.
It is essential to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged or extremely dry. Overwatering can lead to the plant's death, especially in poorly-draining soils.
Fertilization
The plant requires minimal fertilization, as excessive feeding can negatively impact its growth and overall health. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10:10:10 or 5:10:5 can be applied in early spring before the onset of new growth.
Organic fertilizers, such as compost or manure, can also be used to improve soil quality, but they should be applied sparingly to avoid over-fertilization.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for the Digera alternifolia (L.) Asch. var. stenophylla Suess. plant. However, if required, pruning should be carried out after the flowering season, as the plant produces flowers on new growth.
Trimming away damaged or dead branches should be done as soon as possible to prevent the spread of pests or diseases.
Propagation of Digera alternifolia (L.) Asch. var. stenophylla Suess.
Digera alternifolia (L.) Asch. var. stenophylla Suess., commonly known as Radji or Chakrangi in India, is a perennial weed that belongs to the family Amaranthaceae. It is found in areas with tropical and subtropical climate. The plant is propagated mainly through seeds and stem cuttings.
Propagation through Seeds
Seeds are the primary means of propagation for Radji plant. The seeds are obtained from the mature fruits of the plant. Seeds are collected when they are dry and brown in color. The collected seeds should be dried in the sun for a few days to ensure that they are completely dry. Dried seeds can be stored in a cool and dry place for up to six months.
To propagate Radji through seeds, prepare a suitable seedbed with well-draining soil. The soil must be mixed with organic matter like compost or manure to provide essential nutrients to the developing seedlings. Sow the seeds evenly on the prepared seedbed and cover them with a thin layer of fine soil. Water the seeds well and keep the soil moist until germination.
Germination of Radji seeds takes about 10-14 days. After germination, thin out the seedlings to a spacing of about 15-20 cm apart. Provide regular watering and fertilization to the young seedlings to promote healthy growth.
Propagation through Stem Cuttings
Propagation of Radji through stem cuttings is an easy and reliable method. Take healthy stem cuttings from a mature plant with at least two nodes. Cut the stem at a 45-degree angle using a sharp cutting tool. Remove the lower leaves from the stem cutting to expose the nodes.
Prepare a rooting medium with a mixture of well-draining soil and sand. Dip the lower end of the stem cutting in a rooting hormone solution and insert it into the prepared rooting medium. Water the cutting and cover it with a plastic sheet or a glass jar to retain moisture. Place the cutting in a warm and bright location but away from direct sunlight. After about 2-3 weeks, the stem cutting should develop roots.
Once the roots have developed, transplant the cutting into a suitable container or directly into the garden bed. Provide regular watering and fertilization to the young plant to promote healthy growth.
Disease Management for Digera alternifolia (L.) Asch. var. stenophylla Suess.
Like any living organism, plants can be affected by a variety of diseases. For the plant Digera alternifolia (L.) Asch. var. stenophylla Suess., some common diseases that might affect it include root rot, leaf spot, and powdery mildew.
Root rot occurs when the roots of the plant are attacked by fungi or bacteria and can lead to wilting, yellowing, and death of the plant. To manage root rot, always ensure proper drainage of the soil, avoid over-watering, and remove any affected plants or plant parts immediately.
Leaf spot is a fungal infection that causes brown or black spots on the leaves of the plant. To manage leaf spot, remove any affected plant parts, avoid overhead watering, and apply a fungicide as directed.
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white or gray powdery substance on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, always ensure good air circulation, avoid overcrowding, and apply a fungicide as directed.
Pest Management for Digera alternifolia (L.) Asch. var. stenophylla Suess.
In addition to diseases, plants can also be affected by pests. For the plant Digera alternifolia (L.) Asch. var. stenophylla Suess., some common pests that might affect it include aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies.
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to curl and distort. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or oil as directed, introduce natural predators like ladybugs, and prune any affected plant parts.
Spider mites are small insects that feed on the sap from the leaves, causing yellowing and bronzing. To manage spider mites, increase humidity around the plant, use insecticidal soap or oil as directed, and prune any affected plant parts.
Whiteflies are small insects that suck the sap from the leaves, causing yellowing and stunted growth. To manage whiteflies, use insecticidal soap or oil as directed, introduce natural predators like ladybugs, and prune any affected plant parts.
