Overview
Evolvulus alsinoides (L.) L. var. glaber Baker, also known as Dwarf Morning Glory or Shankhpushpi, is an herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Convolvulaceae family. This plant has been traditionally used in Indian and Chinese medicine for various purposes for centuries.
Origin
Evolvulus alsinoides (L.) L. var. glaber Baker is native to India and Southeast Asia. However, it is now widely cultivated in other parts of the world, including Africa, South America, and the Caribbean.
Common Names
Evolvulus alsinoides (L.) L. var. glaber Baker is commonly known as Dwarf Morning Glory or Shankhpushpi in Hindi.
Uses
The plant has been used for centuries in traditional medicine practices for various medicinal purposes. The aerial parts of the plant, particularly the leaves and stem, are used for medicinal purposes. In Ayurveda, it is considered a brain tonic that improves memory, concentration, and intelligence. The plant is also used to treat anxiety, stress, and depression.
In addition, the plant has sedative, anti-inflammatory, anti-convulsant, and analgesic properties. It is also used to treat fever, cough, and respiratory disorders. The plant has also been used for its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic properties.
Appearance
Evolvulus alsinoides (L.) L. var. glaber Baker is a low-growing herbaceous perennial that grows up to 30 cm in height. The plant has a spreading growth habit with a woody stem at the base. The leaves are small, linear, and about 1.5 cm long. The flowers are small and blue or white, and they bloom from summer to fall. The plant prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure.
Light Requirements
Evolvulus alsinoides (L.) L. var. glaber Baker grows best in full sun. This species requires a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive. Adequate sunlight helps the plant to produce more vibrant and numerous blooms. It is critical to provide this species with enough exposure to sunlight as inadequate light can cause foliage to develop poorly leading to anemic growth.
Temperature preferences
For optimal growth, Evolvulus alsinoides (L.) L. var. glaber Baker thrives in warm weather conditions. The plant can withstand temperatures as low as 25°C, but warmer temperatures between 27°C and 30°C support healthy, robust growth. In areas of high humidity and rainfall, the plant may grow even better, provided it is not exposed to excessively hot temperatures or prolonged periods of drought.
Soil requirements
This plant variety thrives best in well-drained soils of moderate fertility. It prefers soils that are neutral to slightly acidic (pH of 6.0 to 7.5). Rich soil with good organic matter supports rapid plant growth. However, waterlogged soils can induce root rot in Evolvulus alsinoides (L.) L. var. glaber Baker, so the soil should be well-draining. It is recommended to amend the soil with fertilizer at least once a month throughout the growing season.
Cultivation
Evolvulus alsinoides (L.) L. var. glaber Baker is a hardy plant that grows well in almost all types of soil. The plant requires full sun exposure to grow well and can tolerate partial shade. It is an annual plant, which means it completes its lifecycle in a single growing season. The plant can tolerate dry conditions and can survive in drought-prone areas.
Watering needs
Evolvulus alsinoides (L.) L. var. glaber Baker requires moderate watering, and care should be taken not to water the plant excessively. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can eventually kill the plant. The soil should be allowed to dry between watering. During periods of drought, it is advisable to water the plant every few days to keep the soil moist.
Fertilization
The plant requires regular fertilization to grow and produce healthy flowers. A balanced fertilizer can be used once a month to provide the plant with the necessary nutrients. Fertilizers should be applied before watering the plant to prevent burning the roots. Organic fertilizers, such as compost and manure, can also be used to provide the plant with nutrients.
Pruning
Pruning helps to control the size and shape of the plant and promotes the growth of new shoots. The best time to prune Evolvulus alsinoides (L.) L. var. glaber Baker is in the early spring before the start of the growing season. Dead or damaged branches can be removed at any time of the year. Pruning should be done with sharp shears to prevent tearing the branches.
Propagation of Evolvulus alsinoides
Evolvulus alsinoides is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Convolvulaceae family. It is commonly known as Dwarf Morning Glory or Shankhapushpi. This plant is widely known for its medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine to treat numerous conditions such as anxiety, epilepsy, and inflammation.
Propagation Methods
Evolvulus alsinoides is propagated both by seeds and cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
The seeds of Evolvulus alsinoides can be sown directly into the soil or in trays with a sterile potting mix. The seeds should be sown at a depth of approximately 1 cm and covered with a thin layer of soil. It is essential to keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes around 1-2 weeks.
Once the seedlings have developed four to six true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground. It is essential to provide the plants with the appropriate spacing so that they can grow without being overcrowded.
Propagation by Cuttings
Evolvulus alsinoides can also be propagated by stem cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is during the warm season when the plant is actively growing.
The cuttings should be taken from healthy plants and should be around 8-10 cm long. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cutting should be planted in a well-draining soil mix. It is essential to keep the soil moist until the cutting develops roots, which usually takes 2-3 weeks.
Once the cutting has developed a healthy root system, it can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
Overall, Evolvulus alsinoides is an easy plant to propagate by both seeds and cuttings, making it an ideal choice for home gardeners and commercial growers alike.
Disease and Pest Management for Evolvulus alsinoides (L.) L. var. glaber Baker
Evolvulus alsinoides (L.) L. var. glaber Baker, also known as Dwarf Morning Glory, is a flowering plant that is relatively easy to maintain. However, like any other plant, it can still be prone to diseases and pests that can affect its growth and overall health. It is important to be vigilant in identifying these issues and taking appropriate measures to manage them.
Common Diseases
One common disease that can affect Evolvulus alsinoides is powdery mildew. This is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To manage this disease, affected plant parts must be removed as soon as possible. Fungicides can also be applied to prevent further spread of the disease.
Another disease that can affect the plant is root rot. This is caused by fungal or bacterial infections in the soil that affects the roots of the plant. To manage root rot, it is important to avoid over-watering the plant and to ensure proper drainage of the soil. Affected plant parts must be removed, and the plant must be treated with a fungicide or bactericide.
Common Pests
One common pest that can affect Evolvulus alsinoides is aphids. These small insects suck the sap from the plant, causing distorted leaves and stunted growth. To manage aphids, affected plant parts can be washed thoroughly with water or sprayed with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Another pest that can affect the plant is spider mites. These tiny insects create webbing on the plant and cause yellow or brown spots on the leaves. To manage spider mites, affected plant parts can be sprayed with water or insecticidal soap. Neem oil can also be applied to the plant to prevent further infestation.
Other Management Strategies
One important management strategy for Evolvulus alsinoides is to maintain proper growing conditions. The plant thrives in well-drained soil and requires moderate watering. It also needs plenty of sunlight to grow and flower properly.
Regularly inspecting the plant for signs of disease and pests is also necessary. Early intervention can prevent further spread of the issue and improve the plant's chances of recovery.
Lastly, it is essential to use proper tools and techniques when maintaining the plant. This includes using sterile tools and pots to prevent the spread of disease, avoiding over-fertilization, and following proper pruning techniques to promote growth and health.
