Overview
Elephantopus pilosus Philipson, commonly known as the hairy elephant's foot, is a flowering plant species in the family Asteraceae.
Origin
This plant species is native to South America, particularly in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Common Names
Aside from hairy elephant's foot, Elephantopus pilosus is also called "pata de elefante", "gervão-suassuí", "gervão-piloso", and "gervão-piloso-de-vassoura".
Description
The hairy elephant's foot is a herbaceous plant that grows up to 80 cm in height. It has a hairy stem and leaves that grow alternately along the stem. The leaves are oval or lance-shaped, about 15 cm in length, and have a rough texture on the top surface with soft hairs underneath. The flowers grow in clusters and are tubular with four or five petals. They have a pink or purple color and bloom from late spring to early autumn. The fruits are small, dry achenes with feathery hairs.
Uses
The plant has various medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine for treating respiratory illnesses, gastric disorders, infections, and fever. The hairy elephant's foot contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds, which help in reducing inflammation and boosting immunity. It is also used as a diuretic and to treat urinary tract infections.
Light Requirements
Elephantopus pilosus requires a moderate amount of light to grow properly. The plant does not thrive in direct sunlight but requires sufficient light for its metabolic functioning. Therefore, it is best to place the plant in a location with bright, indirect light exposure.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for Elephantopus pilosus growth is consistent with most tropical houseplants, which is between 15°C to 30°C. The plant does not do well in extremely cold environments, and temperatures below 5°C for extended periods can cause damage or even death. It is essential to place the plant in a warm room or to consider using a space heater during colder months.
Soil Requirements
Elephantopus pilosus thrives in well-draining soil that has a pH range of neutral to slightly acidic. The soil should be rich in organic matter and should retain some moisture but not become waterlogged. A good potting mix should have peat moss, perlite, or vermiculite for enhancing drainage and absorbing excess water. It is best to avoid compacted soil, which can lead to root rot and stunted growth of the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Elephantopus pilosus Philipson is a perennial herb that prefers well-drained soil and a sunny location. It can tolerate a wide range of soil pH, but it grows best in neutral to slightly acidic soil. The plant can be propagated either by seed or vegetative means such as stem cuttings or root division. It is recommended to plant the seeds in the spring after the last frost, and divide established plants every 3-4 years to prevent overcrowding.
Watering Needs
Elephantopus pilosus Philipson prefers moderate watering and can tolerate drought conditions. Overwatering can cause root rot, so it is important to make sure the soil is dry to the touch before watering. It is recommended to water deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering in winter when the plant is dormant.
Fertilization
Elephantopus pilosus Philipson does not require frequent fertilization, but if the soil is low in nutrients, a balanced fertilizer can be applied once in early spring. Avoid fertilizing after mid-summer to prevent late-season growth, which can be damaged by frost.
Pruning
The plant does not require regular pruning, but it is recommended to remove spent flowers to encourage new growth and maintain a tidy appearance. Additionally, cutting back the plant by half in late summer can prevent it from becoming too leggy and help it produce more compact growth.
Propagation of Elephantopus pilosus Philipson
Elephantopus pilosus Philipson can be propagated through various methods including:
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Elephantopus pilosus Philipson can be collected and sowed during the rainy season in well-drained soil. The seeds should be sowed at a depth of 1-2 cm and kept moist. The seedlings will emerge after 2-3 weeks and can be transplanted to their permanent location after a few months.
Division Propagation
Elephantopus pilosus Philipson can be propagated by dividing the rhizomes or roots during the dormant season. The plant should be dug up and the root system should be carefully divided into sections with a sharp blade. The sections can then be transplanted into their permanent location and kept moist until they establish.
Cutting Propagation
Elephantopus pilosus Philipson can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The stem cuttings should be taken from mature plants and should be around 5-10 cm in length. The lower leaves should be removed, and the stem cutting should be dipped in a rooting hormone and planted in well-drained soil. The soil should be kept moist until the roots develop in a few weeks.
Disease Management
Elephantopus pilosus Philipson is a hardy plant with a low susceptibility to disease. However, there are some common diseases that might affect the plant, such as leaf spot and powdery mildew.
Leaf spot: This disease is usually caused by fungal infections and can result in brown spots on leaves. It can be managed by removing and destroying affected leaves and keeping the plant watered regularly to prevent dryness. Fungal sprays can also be used.
Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery appearance on leaves. It can be managed by ensuring adequate air circulation around the plant and avoiding overhead watering. Fungal sprays or neem oil can also be used.
Pest Management
Like with diseases, Elephantopus pilosus Philipson is relatively pest-resistant. However, there are some common pests that might affect the plant, such as spider mites and aphids.
Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and browning of leaves. They can be managed by spraying the plant with a strong stream of water to wash off the mites, introducing beneficial insects such as ladybirds, or using neem oil.
Aphids: These small insects can cause distorted growth and damage to leaves. They can be managed by washing the plant with a strong stream of water, introducing beneficial insects such as ladybirds or lacewings, or using insecticidal soap.
