Overview
Eriogonum corymbosum Benth. var. matthewsiae Reveal, also commonly known as Matthews' buckwheat, is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the family Polygonaceae. It is endemic to vertical, rocky habitats in southern Inyo County, California, USA.
Appearance
Matthews' buckwheat is a small, perennial subshrub that typically grows up to 0.3 m high and 0.3 m wide. Its leaf blades are narrow and lanceolate, measuring 0.5-1.5 cm long. The inflorescence is a narrow, pyramid-shaped cyme that is 1-3 cm long and measures 0.8-1.5 cm wide at the base.
Uses
Matthews' buckwheat is an ornamental plant that can be grown in rock gardens or other xeriscaped landscaping. Its small, white to pinkish flowers bloom from May to August, which makes it a great addition to a summer garden. Due to its limited distribution and protected status, however, it is not commonly grown as a garden plant. Furthermore, Matthews' buckwheat has ecological significance as it provides food and habitat for various native insects, including bees and butterflies. Its root system helps stabilize the soils in rocky habitats, which can prevent erosion.
Conservation
Matthews' buckwheat is considered to be a rare and threatened species due to its limited distribution and habitat destruction from human activities, such as grazing and off-road vehicle use. It is listed as an endangered species under the United States' Endangered Species Act. Conservation efforts for this plant include habitat restoration and protection, public education, and population monitoring.
Light Requirements
Eriogonum corymbosum Benth. var. matthewsiae Reveal requires full sunlight exposure to grow optimally. The plant should be planted in an area where it can receive sunlight for at least six hours each day.
Temperature Requirements
The typical growth temperature for Eriogonum corymbosum Benth. var. matthewsiae Reveal is between 40°F to 85°F (4°C to 29°C). The plant is well adapted to the semiarid and arid environments and can withstand high temperatures if provided with adequate moisture.
Soil Requirements
The plant can thrive well on various soil types, including sandy, loamy, clayey, or rocky soils. However, the soil should have good drainage and be well aerated to prevent waterlogging. A pH range of 5.0 to 8.0 is ideal for optimal growth. This plant species is native to the intermountain regions of western North America and can also tolerate calcareous soils.
Cultivation Methods
Eriogonum corymbosum Benth. var. matthewsiae Reveal prefers to grow in full sun and well-draining, sandy or rocky soil. It requires a warm climate, with average to low humidity. This plant species can be grown from seeds or propagated from cuttings, but it is more commonly propagated through division in the fall or spring.
Watering Needs
Eriogonum corymbosum Benth. var. matthewsiae Reveal is drought-tolerant once established, but it requires watering regularly in the first few months after planting. Water deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering in the winter. Over-watering can lead to root rot and other plant diseases.
Fertilization
Eriogonum corymbosum Benth. var. matthewsiae Reveal does not require high levels of fertilizer, as it can grow in soils with low nutrient levels. Excessive fertilizer can actually reduce the plant's flowering and overall health. A light application of a balanced fertilizer during the plant's active growth period can help promote growth and blooming.
Pruning
Eriogonum corymbosum Benth. var. matthewsiae Reveal requires minimal pruning, as it naturally forms a compact, rounded shape. However, if the plant is not producing flowers or begins to look untidy, it can be pruned back in the fall after blooming has finished. Prune only the tips of the branches where flowers have finished blooming or areas with dead or diseased stems.
Propagation of Eriogonum corymbosum Benth. var. matthewsiae Reveal
Eriogonum corymbosum Benth. var. matthewsiae Reveal, commonly known as Matthew's buckwheat, is a native plant species found in the Great Basin Range in North America. Propagation of this plant can be done through seeds, cuttings, and division.
Propagation through seeds
The most common method of propagating Eriogonum corymbosum Benth. var. matthewsiae Reveal is through seeds. The seeds can be gathered during the fall season when the plant’s inflorescence has dried out. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix in a seed tray. The tray should be kept in a warm and bright location and covered with a clear plastic sheet until the seeds germinate. Once the seedlings have grown a few centimeters, they can be transplanted into individual containers.
Propagation through cuttings
Eriogonum corymbosum Benth. var. matthewsiae Reveal can also be propagated through cuttings. Cuttings are usually taken during the active growing season of the plant. The cutting should be taken from a healthy and disease-free plant and should be around 10-15 cm in length. To prepare the cutting, remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder. Place the cutting in a well-draining potting mix and keep the soil moist. The cutting should root within a few weeks.
Propagation through division
Division is another method of propagating Eriogonum corymbosum Benth. var. matthewsiae Reveal. This method is usually used to rejuvenate an older plant or to increase the number of plants. The division should be done during the plant's dormant season and with a clean and sharp tool. Divide the plant into smaller sections, each with a portion of the plant's root system. Replant the sections in a well-draining soil mix and keep the soil moist until new growth appears.
Disease and Pest Management for Eriogonum corymbosum Benth. var. matthewsiae Reveal
Eriogonum corymbosum Benth. var. matthewsiae Reveal, commonly known as Matthew's buckwheat, is a hardy perennial plant species that belongs to the family Polygonaceae. It is a plant endemic to the Alpine and subalpine zones of California's Sierra Nevada range. Like all crops and plants, they are susceptible to diseases and pests.
Common Diseases
One of the prevalent diseases that affect this plant species is the powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that can be identified by the presence of a powdery white or gray coating on the leaves, petioles, and stems of the plant. This fungus thrives in damp conditions and is prevalent during the late summer and fall. To manage powdery mildew, it is essential to maintain good air circulation between plants, avoid overhead watering, and remove any infected parts of the plant to prevent the disease from spreading. Applying a sulfur-based fungicide can be an effective control measure against powdery mildew.
Anthrax stalk rot is another fungal disease that can affect Eriogonum corymbosum Benth. var. matthewsiae Reveal. This disease can cause wilting of the plant and death. The disease occurs typically during the late summer when the weather is hot and dry. The best way to prevent this disease is to avoid waterlogging and maintain soil drainage. Infected plants should be removed to prevent the spread of the disease.
Common Pests
One of the common pests that attack Eriogonum corymbosum Benth. var. matthewsiae Reveal is the spider mite. Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on plant sap, causing yellowing of leaves and webbing on the plant's surface. Regular inspection, particularly during hot and dry weather, can help detect spider mites early. Use a forceful jet of water to dislodge them from the plant or apply insecticidal soap to prevent them from multiplying.
The root weevil is another pest that can affect the health of this plant species. The immature stage of the weevil feeds on plant roots and can cause wilting or stunted growth. To manage root weevils, apply an appropriate insecticide to the soil around the plant's root zone. Installing sticky barriers around the plant stem can also trap adult weevils and prevent them from reaching the plant's roots.
By implementing good cultural practices and using appropriate pest and disease control measures, gardeners can keep Eriogonum corymbosum Benth. var. matthewsiae Reveal healthy and thriving.
