Description of Eriogonum corymbosum Benth. var. humivagans (Reveal) Welsh
Eriogonum corymbosum Benth. var. humivagans (Reveal) Welsh, commonly known as the mesa scorpionweed, is a species of flowering plant in the Buckwheat family, Polygonaceae.
History and Origin
The mesa scorpionweed is native to the southwestern United States, specifically found in mesas and plateaus of the Colorado Plateau in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah.
Appearance
The plant can grow up to 15cm in height and has small grayish-green linear leaves. It blooms from May to September with small yellow flowers on branching inflorescences that form 2 to 12 radiating circles.
Uses
Eriogonum corymbosum Benth. var. humivagans (Reveal) Welsh is a valuable plant in the ecological system as it provides nectar for bees, butterflies, and other insects. It is also known to have medicinal properties used by Native American tribes in the region for treating various ailments such as fever, colds, and digestive disorders.
Light Requirements
Eriogonum corymbosum Benth. var. humivagans (Reveal) Welsh is a sun-loving plant, and typically requires full sun for optimal growth. It is tolerant of partial shade, but growth may be stunted and flowering may be reduced.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is adapted to a range of temperatures, but prefers a cool, moist climate. It is known to grow well in USDA zones 5-8. Temperatures that are too hot or too cold may affect growth and flowering.
Soil Requirements
Eriogonum corymbosum Benth. var. humivagans (Reveal) Welsh prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. It has been known to tolerate slightly alkaline soil as well. The plant can thrive in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, it does not grow well in soils that are excessively wet or compacted.
Cultivation Methods for Eriogonum Corymbosum Benth. Var. Humivagans
Eriogonum corymbosum Benth. var. humivagans, commonly known as rock buckwheat, is a highly adaptable and heat-resistant plant that can be cultivated in various soils, ranging from clay to well-draining sand. Before planting, ensure that the soil is slightly acidic with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5, and the location is well-draining. This plant requires full exposure to sunlight and can tolerate partial exposure to shade.
Watering Needs
Rock buckwheat is a drought-tolerant plant that does not require frequent watering once established. It is best to water the plant during its growing season, typically from spring to fall. During this period, water the plant deeply and ensure the soil is thoroughly wet before allowing it to dry out completely before the next watering. Avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Eriogonum corymbosum Benth. var. humivagans does not require heavy fertilization. A slow-release fertilizer that is low in nitrogen and high in phosphorus and potassium can be added during the growing season to improve soil quality and promote blooming. Follow the manufacturer's instructions when applying fertilizer and avoid over-fertilization as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooming.
Pruning
Rock buckwheat requires minimal pruning to maintain its shape and size. Prune the plant in early spring before the start of the growing season by removing any damaged or diseased stems. Prune any wayward or crossing stems to encourage bushier growth. Avoid heavy pruning as this can lead to reduced blooming in the following season.
Propagation of Eriogonum corymbosum Benth. var. humivagans (Reveal) Welsh
Eriogonum corymbosum Benth. var. humivagans (Reveal) Welsh can be propagated through several methods, including seeds, root division, and stem cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds of Eriogonum corymbosum Benth. var. humivagans (Reveal) Welsh can be collected from mature plants and sowed in a well-draining soil mix. The seeds need to be stratified for at least 4-6 weeks and kept moist before planting. Once the seeds germinate, the seedlings should be transplanted into individual pots and kept in a partially shaded spot.
Propagation by Root Division
Eriogonum corymbosum Benth. var. humivagans (Reveal) Welsh can also be propagated through root division. This method involves carefully digging up the plant and separating the roots into smaller sections. Each divided root section should have some shoots and a good amount of root mass. These sections can be planted in a well-draining soil mixture and kept moist until they establish.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings can be taken from Eriogonum corymbosum Benth. var. humivagans (Reveal) Welsh during the growing season. Cuttings should be taken from the top section of the plant, ensuring that each cutting has a few leaves and a stem of at least 4-6 inches. These cuttings can be rooted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist. Once the cuttings have rooted, they should be transplanted to individual pots and grown in a partially shaded spot.
Disease Management
Eriogonum corymbosum Benth. var. humivagans (Reveal) Welsh is generally disease-resistant; however, it might occasionally suffer from some diseases, including:
- Root rot: This disease causes the roots of the plant to rot, impacting the plant's ability to uptake water and nutrients. Root rot often results from overwatering or poorly drained soils. To manage root rot, ensure that the plant's soil is well-drained and not waterlogged.
- Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew manifests as a whitish powdery coating on the plant's leaves, stems, and flowers. It is caused by fungal infections and thrives in humid conditions. To manage powdery mildew, ensure good air circulation by properly spacing the plants and avoid overwatering.
Pest Management
Eriogonum corymbosum Benth. var. humivagans (Reveal) Welsh is also relatively pest-resistant. However, it might occasionally suffer from some pests, including:
- Aphids: Aphids are small brownish insects that suck the sap out of the plant, leading to stunted plant growth. A strong jet of water can dislodge aphids from the plant or opt for using insecticidal soaps.
- Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny insects that reside on the underside of plant leaves, causing yellowing of leaves and stunted growth. Spider mites proliferate in hot, dry conditions. To manage spider mites, spray water to increase humidity or use insecticidal soaps.
