Eleocharis Obtusa (Willd.) J.A. Schultes var. ellipsoidalis Fern.: A Detailed Description
Eleocharis obtusa (Willd.) J.A. Schultes var. ellipsoidalis Fern., commonly known as the oval spikerush, is a perennial plant belonging to the Cyperaceae family. This plant is native to North America, where it naturally occurs in wetlands, swamps, bogs, and shallow water bodies.
General Appearance
Oval spikerush typically grows to a height of 30-100 cm, with a rhizome that helps the plant spread horizontally across the ground. The leaves are thin, long, and green, appearing in tufts at the base of the stem. The stem is triangular and erect, with a dark brown color, and the plant often produces a single inflorescence. The inflorescence consists of spikes that are oval or cylindrical, tan to reddish-brown in color, and 3-8 mm long. This plant blooms from June to September.
Common Names
Oval spikerush has several common names, including blunt spike-rush, oval spike-rush, downy spike-rush, and few-flowered spike-rush.
Uses
Oval spikerush is an important plant in wetland restoration projects, as it is able to help stabilize soil and prevent erosion. It is also useful in improving water quality, as it can absorb nutrients and pollutants from the water. This plant is also used in aquariums, paludariums, and terrariums as a decorative aquatic plant.
In Native American cultures, oval spikerush has several medicinal uses such as treating skin conditions and digestive issues. It was also used as a source of fiber for weaving baskets, mats, and other goods.
Overall, Eleocharis obtusa (Willd.) J.A. Schultes var. ellipsoidalis Fern. is an important and versatile plant that plays a crucial role in the ecosystems it is native to, as well as in human culture and tradition.
Light Requirements
Eleocharis obtusa var. ellipsoidalis typically grows in bright light conditions. It requires a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth. In low light conditions, the plant will grow slowly and may become more prone to diseases.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers moderate temperatures between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C). It cannot withstand extreme temperatures and will die off if exposed to temperatures below 50°F (10°C) or above 86°F (30°C). It is important to maintain an optimal temperature range for the plant's growth and survival.
Soil Requirements
Eleocharis obtusa var. ellipsoidalis grows best in moist, well-draining soil. It prefers sandy or loamy soils with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. The soil should be rich in nutrients with a high content of organic matter. The plant can tolerate small amounts of salinity but does not grow well in excessively dry or sandy soils.
Overall, it is crucial to provide Eleocharis obtusa var. ellipsoidalis with the right balance of light, temperature, and soil quality to ensure optimal growth and survival.Cultivation Methods
Eleocharis obtusa (Willd.) J.A. Schultes var. ellipsoidalis Fern. is a perennial grass-like plant that performs well in both aquatic and semi-aquatic conditions. It is commonly referred to as the "Dwarf Hairgrass".
The plant is propagated by runners, and it can be planted in substrates like sand, gravel, or clay. It can also be left to float, provided that its roots are anchored in the substrate.
Eleocharis obtusa (Willd.) J.A. Schultes var. ellipsoidalis Fern. prefers high light intensity, so it should be planted in areas where it can get enough light.
Watering Needs
Eleocharis obtusa (Willd.) J.A. Schultes var. ellipsoidalis Fern. is a water-loving plant and should be watered regularly to keep the roots moist. However, it is crucial to avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot and kill the plant.
The preferable water temperature for this plant should range between 22°C to 28°C, which is the suitable temperature for most aquatic plants.
Fertilization
For Eleocharis obtusa (Willd.) J.A. Schultes var. ellipsoidalis Fern. to grow optimally, it requires the application of macronutrient fertilizers.
An example of recommended fertilizers for this plant is Seachem Flourish, which contains a balanced source of essential nutrients for aquatic plants. The fertilizer should be added in small amounts at regular intervals to avoid build-up, which can harm the plant's health.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to maintain the plant's shape, size, and healthy growth. Eleocharis obtusa (Willd.) J.A. Schultes var. ellipsoidalis Fern. requires regular trimming to prevent it from overgrowing and get tangled.
The best time to trim this plant is after the plant has grown to around 2 to 3 inches tall, which is usually after 1 to 2 weeks of planting. Use scissors or any other pruning tool to trim the plant's tips to the desired length.
Similarly, branched or dead parts of the plant should be removed to prevent them from decomposing and spreading diseases.
Propagation of Eleocharis Obtusa var. Ellipsoidalis Fern.
Propagation of the Eleocharis Obtusa var. Ellipsoidalis Fern. is usually done by dividing the clumps of the plant. This is the most common and easiest method of propagating this variety of Eleocharis.
Division can be done during the growing season or as soon as new growth appears. The clump should be lifted and gently pulled apart by hand or using a sharp garden knife to separate the plant into smaller pieces. Ensure that each piece has roots and shoots and replant immediately.
Propagation can also be done by planting seeds. The seeds can be collected and planted in a seedbed during the spring season, and the seedlings can be transplanted to the desired location once they have grown to a desirable size.
Another method of propagation is vegetative propagation by stem cuttings. This method involves taking a stem cutting from the parent plant and planting it in soil or submerged in water until roots and shoots appear. Once the plant has developed roots, it can be transplanted into a substrate. However, vegetative propagation is not a common practice for this variety of Eleocharis.
Disease Management
Eleocharis obtusa (Willd.) J.A. Schultes var. ellipsoidalis Fern. is generally healthy and free from major diseases, but occasionally fungal diseases may infect this plant. Brown patch, caused by Rhizoctonia solani, and Pythium blight caused by Pythium spp., are two of the most common fungal diseases that infect eleocharis. Once infected, the plants may show symptoms such as yellowing, browning, wilting, or even death.
Ensure that the soil is well-drained and not waterlogged to prevent fungal infections. Avoid overcrowding the plants and maintain adequate spacing to encourage proper air circulation. Practice regular weeding as weeds can harbor disease-causing pathogens. In cases of severe infections, apply fungicides that contain active ingredients such as azoxystrobin, thiophanate methyl, or propiconazole in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines.
Pest Management
Eleocharis obtusa (Willd.) J.A. Schultes var. ellipsoidalis Fern. is also not typically a target for major pests. However, the most common pests that may infest this plant are aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. These insects can cause stunted growth, yellowing leaves, leaf drop, and even plant death.
Prevent pest infestations by regularly inspecting the plants for any signs of insects and remove any infested plants or plant parts immediately. Use a strong stream of water to wash off any visible pests. In cases of severe infestations, use insecticidal soaps or neem oil. Use pesticides only as a last resort and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully while applying.
