Overview:
Gastrolychnis soczaviana (Schischkin) Tolm. & Kozh. ssp. ogilviensis (Porsild) A.& D. Löve, commonly called Ogilvie Mountains gastrolychnis, is a rare species of plant that belongs to the family of Onagraceae. It is native to the Ogilvie Mountains in the Canadian Yukon range, where it grows exclusively in alpine regions.Appearance:
Gastrolychnis soczaviana ssp. ogilviensis is a small and delicate herbaceous perennial that typically grows between 2-6 cm in height. It has thin, erect stems that are branched at the base and covered in short, fine hairs. The leaves are opposite and fan-shaped, with a length of approximately 1 cm and a width of up to 1.5 cm. The plant's flowers are solitary and pink in color, with four petals that are up to 1.2 cm long.Uses:
The Ogilvie Mountains gastrolychnis is primarily a decorative plant, and it is not commonly used for any medicinal or culinary purposes. Due to its rarity and limited distribution, the plant is mostly protected under Canadian legislation to conserve its population and distribution.Threats and Protection:
Gastrolychnis soczaviana ssp. ogilviensis is classified as a critically endangered species due to its small and relatively isolated population, which is threatened mainly by human encroachment, habitat degradation, and climate change. The plant is listed in the Canadian Species at Risk Act (SARA), which aims to protect endangered plant species and their habitats. Additionally, the Ogilvie Mountains gastrolychnis's habitat is preserved in territorial and national parks to safeguard the plant's survival.Growth Conditions for Gastrolychnis soczaviana (Schischkin) Tolm. & Kozh. ssp. ogilviensis (Porsild) A.& D. Löve
Gastrolychnis soczaviana (Schischkin) Tolm. & Kozh. ssp. ogilviensis (Porsild) A.& D. Löve is a rare species found in the northern parts of North America and in the Arctic region. The plant is adapted to grow in harsh environments and requires specific growth conditions to thrive.
Light Requirements
This plant requires full sunlight to grow and develop. It is particularly adapted to grow in open, sunny areas. In shaded areas, the plant may not grow properly and may lead to stunted growth and poor development.
Temperature Requirements
Gastrolychnis soczaviana (Schischkin) Tolm. & Kozh. ssp. ogilviensis (Porsild) A.& D. Löve grows in cold climates and requires a cool temperature to grow and develop properly. The ideal temperature range for this plant is 2-12°C. Extreme temperatures are not suitable for this plant and may result in poor growth and development or even the death of the plant.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-draining soils that have a good moisture retention capacity. The soil texture must be well-drained and have a pH ranging from neutral to slightly acidic. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including loamy, sandy or gravel-based soils. However, the soil should not be waterlogged as it may result in root damage and poor growth.
In summary, Gastrolychnis soczaviana (Schischkin) Tolm. & Kozh. ssp. ogilviensis (Porsild) A.& D. Löve requires full sunlight, cool temperatures, and well-draining soil with appropriate moisture. By providing these optimal growth conditions, the plant can thrive and develop fully.
Cultivation of Gastrolychnis soczaviana ssp. ogilviensis
Gastrolychnis soczaviana ssp. ogilviensis is a hardy plant that grows in rocky regions where there is little soil. It thrives in well-draining soils, which mimic its natural environment. Therefore, it is best to plant it in a pot with a specially formulated cactus mix or a well-draining mix composed of sand, perlite, and peat moss.
Watering Needs of Gastrolychnis soczaviana ssp. ogilviensis
Gastrolychnis soczaviana ssp. ogilviensis requires watering only when the soil is completely dry. Frequent watering can lead to root rot, which is the plant's biggest enemy. The best way to test if it needs watering is by inserting a finger in the soil. If the soil is moist, it does not require watering. However, if the soil is dry, provide enough water to soak the soil completely. Ensure to drain any excess water from the pot to avoid waterlogging.
Fertilization of Gastrolychnis soczaviana ssp. ogilviensis
Gastrolychnis soczaviana ssp. ogilviensis does not require regular fertilization, as it can survive in poor soils. However, you may use a dilute liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season to enhance growth. Do not fertilize during the winter months, as the plant is dormant at that time.
Pruning of Gastrolychnis soczaviana ssp. ogilviensis
Gastrolychnis soczaviana ssp. ogilviensis does not require much pruning. However, you should remove any dry or yellow leaves to prevent the spread of diseases. If you notice that the plant is becoming too tall or leggy, you may trim it back to the desired size. Use a sharp and sterile pair of scissors or pruning shears. Always make clean and precise cuts to promote healing and prevent damaging the plant.
Propagation of Gastrolychnis soczaviana (Schischkin) Tolm. & Kozh. ssp. ogilviensis (Porsild) A.& D. Löve
Gastrolychnis soczaviana (Schischkin) Tolm. & Kozh. ssp. ogilviensis (Porsild) A.& D. Löve is a rare and endangered plant species found in the Arctic regions. This plant can be propagated through various methods that are suitable for its environment and growth habits.
Propagation through Seed
The most common method of propagating Gastrolychnis soczaviana (Schischkin) Tolm. & Kozh. ssp. ogilviensis (Porsild) A.& D. Löve is through seed. Seeds can be collected from the parent plant during its flowering season. The seeds can be sown in a pot or container that is filled with a well-draining and nutrient-rich soil mix. Place the container in an area where there is ample sunlight and water the soil regularly to keep it moist but not waterlogged.
Propagation through Cuttings
Gastrolychnis soczaviana (Schischkin) Tolm. & Kozh. ssp. ogilviensis (Porsild) A.& D. Löve can be propagated through cuttings as well. Cuttings can be taken from the parent plant during the blooming season. Ensure the cutting has enough nodes and leaves for the rooting process. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and place the cuttings in a shaded or semi-shaded area with moderate light. The cutting will produce new roots and start growing in a few months.
Propagation through Division
Gastrolychnis soczaviana (Schischkin) Tolm. & Kozh. ssp. ogilviensis (Porsild) A.& D. Löve can be propagated through division as well. The plant grows several stems, and each stem can be taken apart for individual growth. Use a sterile knife or shears to carefully separate the stems, ensuring that each stem has a root system attached. Plant each stem in separate containers with well-draining soil and place them in a shaded area. Keep the soil moist, and the plants will start to grow within a few weeks.
Propagation of Gastrolychnis soczaviana (Schischkin) Tolm. & Kozh. ssp. ogilviensis (Porsild) A.& D. Löve requires attention to detail and patience. However, with the right conditions and care, this rare plant can be cultivated, sustained and protected for future generations to come.
Disease Management
Gastrolychnis soczaviana ssp. ogilviensis is generally a healthy plant, but it is still susceptible to some diseases. The most common disease affecting this plant is Powdery Mildew, which causes white or gray powdery spots on leaves and other plant parts, leading to stunted growth and reduced crop production. Another disease of importance is Downy Mildew, which appears as yellow or brown spots on upper leaves and causes rapid defoliation of the plant.
The best way to control Powdery Mildew and Downy Mildew in Gastrolychnis soczaviana ssp. ogilviensis is through the implementation of good cultural practices. These practices include regular spacing of plants to promote air circulation, adequate soil drainage and incorporation of organic matter into the soil, removal of any infected plant parts as soon as they appear and the application of fungicides registered for this crop.
Pest Management
Gastrolychnis soczaviana ssp. ogilviensis is affected by some pests, where the most common ones are spider mites, aphids and leafhoppers. Spider mites are tiny and cause spider web-like structures on the plant, while aphids and leafhoppers cause extensive yellowing of leaves and stop the plant from growing.
Pests can be economically and efficiently controlled through the use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) methods. Examples of such methods include the use of insecticides, predatory insects and natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings. Furthermore, cultural practices such as the application of proper irrigation, adequate soil nutrition, and disease prevention can help to reduce pest infestations.
In conclusion, it is important to maintain a healthy and sound Gastrolychnis soczaviana ssp. ogilviensis plant through the implementation of good cultural practices and prompt pest and disease management.
