Overview of Draba groenlandica Ekman
Draba groenlandica Ekman, commonly known as the Greenland draba, is a perennial flowering plant of the Brassicaceae family. It is native to the Arctic and alpine regions of North America, Greenland, Europe, and Asia.
General Appearance
The Greenland draba is a small, cushion-forming plant that usually grows 1-7 cm tall. Its stem is short and woody, and its leaves are small and narrow, measuring 2-8 mm long and 0.4-1.5 mm wide. The leaves are mostly basal, forming a rosette, and have a somewhat hairy texture on both sides.
The flowers of the Greenland draba are white or creamy yellow, measuring 3-4 mm across. They are borne on short stalks, emerging from the center of the rosette, and appear from May to August. The fruit is a narrow silique, measuring up to 2 cm long, which contains several small, round seeds.
Common Names
The Greenland draba is known by a variety of common names, including Arctic draba, rock whitlow-grass, Arctic whitlow-grass, and Greenland whitlow-grass.
Uses
Draba groenlandica Ekman is not commonly used in herbal medicine or for food, likely due to its small size and scarcity in many regions. In some Arctic areas, however, the plant has been used by indigenous peoples as a traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as stomach problems, sore throats, and headaches.
Growth Conditions for Draba groenlandica Ekman
Light: Draba groenlandica Ekman typically grows in areas with high light intensity. These plants require full sunlight for proper growth and development.
Temperature: This plant is adapted to cold and harsh environments and can tolerate low temperatures. The ideal temperature range for growth is between -5°C to 20°C.
Soil: Draba groenlandica Ekman grows well in well-drained soils, particularly in rocky soil types. It prefers nutrient-poor soils with a slightly acidic pH. The soil should be moist, but not waterlogged, for optimal growth.
Water: This plant prefers a moist environment, but too much water can be detrimental to its growth. The plant requires well-drained soil and requires watering regularly, particularly during dry periods.
Fertilizer: Draba groenlandica Ekman does not require fertilizer to thrive as it has adapted to grow in nutrient-poor soils. Fertilizing this plant can cause unnecessary growth and harm the plant's hardiness.
Propagation: Propagation is typically done by seed. The seeds require stratification before sowing for successful germination. The plant can also reproduce through vegetative means like cuttings and division, but this method is less common.
Other: Draba groenlandica Ekman is tolerant of wind and frost. The plant requires minimal care and can grow in harsh environments making it an ideal option for low-maintenance gardens.
Cultivation
Draba groenlandica Ekman is a hardy perennial plant that thrives in cold regions. It is versatile and can tolerate a wide range of soil types and pH levels, but prefers well-drained soils with a slightly acidic pH. It prefers full sun or partial shade for best growth.
When planting Draba groenlandica Ekman, make sure to loosen the soil to a depth of at least 6 inches, and dig a hole that is slightly larger than the plant's root ball. Space the plants about 12 inches apart to allow for proper growth. Water well after planting to ensure that the soil settles around the roots.
Watering Needs
Draba groenlandica Ekman requires regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. During periods of drought, it may require watering every day, depending on the soil and weather conditions. It is important to water the plant deeply, rather than shallowly, to encourage deep root growth and avoid surface roots.
During the growing season, monitor the plant for signs of wilting, as this may indicate that it needs additional water. It is also important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Draba groenlandica Ekman is not a heavy feeder and does not require frequent fertilization. However, a yearly application of a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10 or 14-14-14, can help to ensure that the plant has the nutrients it needs to thrive.
It is best to fertilize in early spring, just as the new growth begins to emerge. Avoid fertilizing later in the growing season, as this can encourage new growth that may not have sufficient time to harden off before winter.
Pruning
Pruning Draba groenlandica Ekman is generally not necessary, as it has a naturally compact growth habit. However, to encourage fuller growth, you can pinch back the stems just above the leaves in early spring. This will encourage branching and more robust growth.
If the plant becomes too leggy or overgrown, you can also give it a light pruning after it finishes flowering in early summer. Cut back the stems by about one-third to promote new growth and keep the plant looking neat and tidy.
Propagation of Draba groenlandica Ekman
Draba groenlandica Ekman, also known as Greenland draba, is a herbaceous perennial plant from the Brassicaceae family. It is native to North America and can be found in rocky areas, tundra, and alpine regions.
Propagation of Draba groenlandica Ekman can be achieved through both sexual and asexual methods. The more common propagation method is by using seeds, which are produced in late summer and early autumn. The following are some details about each propagation method:
Propagation by Seeds
When propagating Draba groenlandica Ekman by seeds, the first step is to collect the mature seed pods. The pods should be collected before they burst open and spread their seeds. Collecting the pods can be done by either snipping the entire stem or by using a paper bag to catch the falling seed pods.
After the seed pods have been collected, they should be placed in a warm, dry location to dry out completely. The drying process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the conditions. Once the pods are dry and have opened, the seeds can be separated from the pod and stored in a cool, dry location until ready to plant.
When planting the seeds, it is recommended to use a well-draining, sterile potting mix. The seeds should be sown thinly on the surface of the soil and covered with a light layer of soil. The soil should be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged, until the seedlings emerge. Germination can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
Propagation by Division
Propagation of Draba groenlandica Ekman can also be done through division. This method is best done in early spring before new growth has started or in the fall after the plant has finished flowering.
To propagate through division, the plant should first be dug up and the roots carefully separated. Each division should have several stems and a portion of the root system. The divisions can then be planted in their desired location at the same depth as the original plant. The soil should be kept consistently moist until new growth has been established.
Overall, the propagation of Draba groenlandica Ekman can be achieved through both seed and division methods. Both methods are simple and can be done by gardeners of any skill level.
Disease Management
Draba groenlandica Ekman is generally a hardy plant, but it can still suffer from diseases like leaf spot, powdery mildew, and root rot. To prevent leaf spot or powdery mildew, avoid overhead watering and keep the foliage dry. In case of root rot, ensure that the soil has proper drainage and is not waterlogged. Remove any infected plant parts and dispose of them properly. Fungicides can also be used in severe cases, following the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Pest Management
Draba groenlandica Ekman can attract pests such as aphids, leaf miners, spider mites, and flea beetles. Aphids can be removed using a strong stream of water, insecticidal soap, or neem oil. Leaf miners can be controlled by removing the affected leaves and keeping the surrounding area clean. Spider mites thrive in dry environments, so maintain high humidity levels. Use neem oil, insecticidal soap, or horticultural oil to control spider mites. Flea beetles can be managed with insecticides or by placing row covers over the plants when they are young.
