Overview of Facelis Retusa (Lam.) Schultz-Bip.
Facelis retusa is a species of plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is commonly known as "campero," "jiyate," or "tola" in different regions of South America where it is native. This plant is a perennial shrub or small tree that has been used for various purposes by the indigenous people of the Andes for thousands of years.
Appearance of Facelis Retusa (Lam.) Schultz-Bip.
Facelis retusa has a thick, woody stem with branches that can grow up to 3 meters in height and 5 meters in width. Its leaves are small, narrow, and grayish-green in color, measuring about 1.5 to 2 cm long and 0.2 cm wide. They are covered in tiny hairs that provide a rough texture. The flowers of Facelis retusa are clustered in groups of 2-3 on the tips of the branches and are small, yellow, and tubular in shape.
Uses of Facelis Retusa (Lam.) Schultz-Bip.
Facelis retusa has a variety of traditional medicinal uses. The leaves and branches are used topically to treat wounds, burns, and skin infections due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The plant is also used to relieve gastric problems, fever, and coughs when prepared as a tea. In addition to its medicinal properties, Facelis retusa is commonly used as firewood and as a natural fence in agricultural areas to protect crops from wandering livestock. The plant has also been found to be useful in bioremediation projects due to its ability to remove heavy metals from contaminated soils.
Typical Growth Conditions for Facelis retusa
Facelis retusa, also known as “trinitaria” or “jarilla”, is a species of shrub found in arid and semi-arid regions of Central and South America. It is a hardy plant that can withstand drought and extreme temperatures, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and landscaping projects in harsh environments. Here are the typical growth conditions for Facelis retusa:
Light
Facelis retusa prefers full sunlight exposure, although it can tolerate partial shade in hotter regions. The plant requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth. Lack of sufficient light may cause the plant to produce fewer leaves and flowers, affecting its overall appearance and health.
Temperature
Facelis retusa thrives in warm temperatures and can tolerate heat waves, droughts, and extreme cold. The ideal temperature range for the plant is between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius, although it can withstand temperatures as low as -5 degrees Celsius. The plant may not survive in regions with extended frost periods, and it can suffer from sunburn in extremely hot temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Facelis retusa prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The plant can grow in various soil types, including sandy and clay soils, as long as they are well-draining. The soil pH range for the plant is between 6 and 8. The plant is relatively drought-resistant, but it performs best when watered regularly in dry environments.
Cultivation Methods
Facelis retusa (Lam.) Schultz-Bip., commonly known as "Peruvian Daisy," is a low-growing evergreen shrub that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. The plant prefers full sun and can grow well in any well-draining soil. It can grow in both acidic and alkaline soils but prefers slightly acidic pH. The species can also withstand periods of drought, making it an ideal plant for arid regions.
Watering Needs
The plant requires moderate watering, especially during the hot and dry season. Overwatering should be avoided, as it can lead to root rot and ultimately kill the plant. It is best to allow the soil to dry out completely before watering the plant. Rainwater is ideal for watering, as it is free of salts and chemicals present in municipal water systems.
Fertilization
The plant does not require much fertilization, as excessive nutrients can lead to a decline in growth and flowering. It is advisable to add a slow-releasing, balanced fertilizer in the soil during planting. Additional fertilization should be done annually at the beginning of the growing season. Nitrogen-rich fertilizers should be avoided, as they can cause the plant to favor leaf growth over flowering.
Pruning
The Peruvian Daisy does not require extensive pruning. However, regular pruning can enhance the aesthetic value and promote dense growth. It is best to prune the plant in winter, after the flowering period, to encourage it to form new buds for the next growing season. Deadheading of the spent flowers also promotes the development of new flowers. Major pruning should be done in early spring before the new growth begins.
Propagation of Facelis retusa
Facelis retusa (Lam.) Schultz-Bip., also known as huarango, is a South American shrub that belongs to the Asteraceae family. This plant is commonly found in arid and semi-arid regions, and it is known for its medicinal properties.
Propagation of Facelis retusa can be done through several methods. The following are some of the most common ways to propagate this plant:
Seed Propagation
Facelis retusa can be propagated from seeds. The best time to collect seeds from the plant is during the fall. The seeds should be collected from mature plants and should be dried before they are sown. The seeds can be sown directly into pots or trays filled with well-draining soil. The pots/trays should be placed in a warm and sunny area. Germination usually occurs within two weeks.
Cuttings Propagation
Facelis retusa can also be propagated from cuttings. This method is preferred when the plant is hard to propagate from seeds. Cuttings should be taken from mature plants during the spring or summer. The cutting should include a stem with leaves attached to it. The cuttings should be planted in well-draining soil and kept in a warm and sunny area. Roots usually develop within a few weeks.
Division Propagation
Facelis retusa can be propagated through division. This method involves dividing the plant into smaller sections and planting them separately. This method is recommended for mature plants that have become too large or crowded. The plant should be dug up carefully and the roots should be separated. The separated sections should be planted in well-draining soil and kept in a warm and sunny area.
Overall, propagation of Facelis retusa is relatively easy and can be done through several methods. Growers should choose the method that suits their needs and resources best.
Disease and Pest Management for Facelis Retusa
Facelis retusa, commonly known as hediondilla, is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. This plant is native to South America and grows well in arid and semi-arid regions. However, just like any other plant, hediondilla is susceptible to various diseases and pests that may affect its growth, yield, and quality. Therefore, it's important to understand the common diseases and pests that affect this plant and how to manage them effectively.
Common Diseases that Affect Facelis Retusa
Facelis retusa is prone to various diseases that may cause wilting, yellowing, stunted growth, or even death. Some of the common diseases that affect this plant include:
- Root Rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the roots of hediondilla, causing them to rot. It's often caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne pathogens. To manage this disease, you need to improve the drainage of the soil by adding organic matter, avoid overwatering, and apply fungicides.
- Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of hediondilla, causing small brown spots to form on them. It's often caused by high humidity, poor air circulation, or splashing water on the leaves. To manage this disease, you need to improve the air circulation around the plant, avoid overhead irrigation, and apply fungicides.
- Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of hediondilla, causing them to become covered in a white powdery substance. It's often caused by high humidity, poor air circulation, or overcrowding. To manage this disease, you need to improve the air circulation around the plant, avoid overhead irrigation, and apply fungicides.
Common Pests that Affect Facelis Retusa
Hediondilla is also prone to various pests that may cause damage to its leaves, stems, or roots. Some of the common pests that affect this plant include:
- Aphids: Aphids are small insects that feed on the sap of hediondilla, causing its leaves to curl and turn yellow. To manage aphids, you can use insecticidal soaps or oils, prune affected leaves, or introduce natural predators such as ladybugs.
- Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that suck the sap of hediondilla, causing its leaves to become mottled and yellow. To manage spider mites, you can use insecticidal soaps or oils, increase the humidity around the plant, or introduce natural predators such as predatory mites.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of moths that feed on the leaves of hediondilla, causing large holes in them. To manage caterpillars, you can pick them off by hand, use Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) or spinosad-based insecticides, or introduce natural predators such as birds.
In conclusion, hediondilla is a plant that requires proper disease and pest management practices to ensure its growth and productivity. By understanding the common diseases and pests that affect this plant, you can take appropriate measures to manage them effectively and prevent them from causing serious damage.
