Origin
Dryas octopetala L. var. viscida Hultén, commonly known as Mountain Avens, is a perennial flowering plant of the family Rosaceae, that grows in northern parts of the northern hemisphere, including arctic and alpine regions of Europe, Asia, and North America.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Mountain Avens and is also called White Dryas, Rock Avens, and Eight-petal Mountain Avens.
Uses
Dryas octopetala L. var. viscida Hultén, has many uses in traditional medicine as it contains flavonoids, tannins, and other bioactive compounds. It has been used for the treatment of various conditions such as diarrhea, stomachache, and fever. It is also used in cosmetic products to improve skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles.
In addition, the plant has a cultural significance, it has been used for many years in traditional religious ceremonies of the Sami people, in Scandinavia and Russia.
General Appearance
Moutain avens is a small-sized plant with a height of 5-20 cm. It has leathery leaves that are evergreen, rounded and shaped like a spoon, with a length of 1-2 cm. The plant has a dense stem with a woody base, and white or yellow flowers that bloom from the center of the stem during late spring and early summer. The fruit produced by the plant is a dry capsule containing numerous seeds.
The plant grows on rocky or gravel terrain, and it can form large mats. It is well adapted to harsh environmental conditions such as low temperatures and high winds, due to its woody base and evergreen foliage, making it an important plant in cold and mountainous regions.
Growth conditions of Dryas octopetala L. var. viscida Hultén
Dryas octopetala L. var. viscida Hultén, commonly known as Arctic Avens, is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Rosaceae. This plant is native to the Arctic and Alpine regions, and it grows primarily in open, rocky areas, where it is exposed to harsh growing conditions.
Light requirements
Arctic Avens thrives in areas with high levels of sunlight. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to grow and develop properly. Therefore, it is usually found in open, rocky areas, where there is no shade from trees or other sources. Shade-giving structures can lead to stunted growth and reduced flowering in this plant.
Temperature requirements
The Arctic Avens can tolerate low temperatures, and it can continue to grow even after months of snow and ice. It grows best at temperatures between 15-20 °C, but it can also tolerate a wide range of temperatures, including sub-zero temperatures. Therefore, it is a popular plant in colder regions of the world, such as Alaska, Canada, and Greenland.
Soil requirements
The Arctic Avens can grow in a wide range of soil types as long as the soil is well-drained, loamy, and has a pH between 6-7. The plant prefers a soil that is rich in minerals and nutrients. It can tolerate rocky and gravelly soil areas, which are typical of the Arctic regions where it grows. Therefore, the Arctic Avens can grow in harsh growing conditions where other plants may not be able to survive.
Cultivation Methods
Dryas octopetala L. var. viscida Hultén is a hardy plant that can survive in various soil types and climates. It is best grown in well-draining soil in full sun or part shade. The plant can be propagated using seeds or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in the spring or fall and require cold stratification for successful germination. Cuttings taken in late spring or early summer can be rooted in moist sand or soil.Watering Needs
Dryas octopetala L. var. viscida Hultén is adapted to dry conditions, so it does not require frequent watering. Water the plant deeply once a week in the absence of rainfall, being careful not to overwater the plant. Avoid getting water on the foliage, which can lead to foliar diseases and sunburn.Fertilization
Dryas octopetala L. var. viscida Hultén does not require much fertilization. If the soil is poor, a slow-release fertilizer can be applied during the growing season. However, excessive fertilization can lead to weak growth and susceptibility to pests and diseases.Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Dryas octopetala L. var. viscida Hultén, which naturally forms a low-growing mat. However, to maintain a neat appearance, dead or damaged foliage can be removed in late spring. Avoid pruning in the fall or winter, as this can lead to winter dieback.Propagation of Dryas octopetala L. var. viscida Hultén
Dryas octopetala L. var. viscida Hultén, commonly known as mountain avens, is a perennial plant that belongs to the family Rosaceae. The plant can be propagated easily through several methods including seed propagation, division, or stem cuttings. To ensure a healthy growth of the plant, it is important to follow the right propagation method.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Dryas octopetala L. var. viscida Hultén is through seed propagation. The seeds can be collected in the late summer when they have ripened. It is important to collect the seeds from healthy plants and store them in a cool, dry place until ready to plant. The best time to plant the seeds is in the fall, after the first frost, when the soil has cooled down.
The seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix and covered lightly with soil or compost. The container should be placed in a cool, bright location, and watered regularly. With the proper care, the seedlings will emerge in a few weeks and can be transplanted to a larger container or outdoors after a year.
Division
Another method of propagating Dryas octopetala L. var. viscida Hultén is through division. This method involves separating the plant into smaller sections, and replanting them. Division can be done in the spring before the plant starts to grow, or in the fall after the plant has finished flowering.
To divide the plant, gently dig up the entire root ball and separate it into smaller sections. Each section should have a healthy growth of roots and shoots. Replant the sections in a well-draining soil mix and water thoroughly.
Stem cuttings
Propagation of Dryas octopetala L. var. viscida Hultén can also be done through stem cuttings. This method involves taking a cutting from a healthy plant and rooting it in soil or water. Stem cuttings are best taken in the summer when the plant is actively growing.
Take a 5-6 inch cutting from the tip of a healthy stem, making sure it has at least two sets of leaves. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix and water thoroughly. Cover the pot with a plastic bag to create a humid environment and keep the cutting in a cool, bright location. New growth should appear in a few weeks.
With the proper care and propagation technique, Dryas octopetala L. var. viscida Hultén can be easily propagated, resulting in a healthy and beautiful plant.
Disease Management
Dryas octopetala L. var. viscida Hultén is a relatively hardy and disease-resistant plant. However, it can still be susceptible to some diseases, such as powdery mildew and rust.
Powdery mildew can be controlled by practicing good sanitation techniques, such as removing any infected plant debris. Additionally, a fungicide can be applied as a preventative measure or at the first sign of the disease. Fungicides containing potassium bicarbonate or sulfur are useful for controlling powdery mildew.
Rust is a fungal disease that causes orange or yellow pustules on leaves and stems. It can be controlled by removing infected plant material and applying a fungicide containing copper or sulfur.
Pest Management
Dryas octopetala L. var. viscida Hultén is also relatively pest-resistant, but it can still be affected by some common pests, such as aphids and spider mites.
Aphids can be controlled by washing them off the plant using a stream of water. Alternatively, a solution of water and dish soap can be sprayed onto the plant to suffocate the insects. For severe infestations, an insecticidal soap or neem oil can be used.
Spider mites can be controlled by spraying the plant with water regularly to reduce the dryness of the environment. Predatory mites, ladybugs, and lacewings can be introduced into the environment to help control the population of spider mites.
