Overview
Inulaster kotschyi Sch.Bip. ex Hochst. is a plant species that belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is commonly known as Kapikachu, Koonj, and Masha in different regions. This plant is native to the Mediterranean region, particularly found in Greece, Italy, Turkey, Syria, Israel, and Egypt.Description
Inulaster kotschyi Sch.Bip. ex Hochst. is a herbaceous perennial plant that grows up to one meter in height. The stems are erect, woody at the base, and branched at the top. The leaves are alternate with a length of 5-10 cm and width of 2-4 cm. The stem and leaves are covered with fine hairs. The flowers are bisexual and yellow in color. It blooms between July and September. The fruit is named as an achene, which consists of a seed and a pappus.Uses
Inulaster kotschyi Sch.Bip. ex Hochst. has several medicinal properties. The root of Kapikachu has been traditionally used for treating several health conditions such as male infertility, Parkinson's disease, erectile dysfunction, and nervous system disorders. It is also known for its aphrodisiac properties. The plant has also been used as a traditional medicine for improving the immune system, treating asthma, and reducing inflammation.Appearance
Inulaster kotschyi Sch.Bip. ex Hochst. has a unique and attractive appearance. The plant has soft green leaves that are covered with fine hairs, which gives it a velvety look. The stem is erect with woody base. The flowers are bright yellow and bloom during the summer season. The plant has a bushy appearance due to its many branches. The fruit is small and brown in color with a fluffy pappus attached to it. Overall, Inulaster kotschyi Sch.Bip. ex Hochst. is a beautiful plant that provides numerous medicinal benefits.Light Requirements:
Inulaster kotschyi Sch.Bip. ex Hochst. grows best when exposed to full sun. This plant requires at least six hours of direct sunlight every day. Therefore, it is ideal to place it in areas that receive ample sunlight, preferably facing the south direction.
Temperature Requirements:
This plant prefers moderately warm temperatures ranging between 20 to 25°C. It can withstand temperatures as low as 10°C, but anything below this temperature can damage the plant. It is crucial to ensure that the plant is protected from frost and freezing temperatures during winter.
Soil Requirements:
Inulaster kotschyi Sch.Bip. ex Hochst. requires well-draining soil. It can grow in various soil types such as sandy, loamy, and clayey soils. However, the soil should be slightly acidic with a pH range of 6.0- 7.5.
It is essential to ensure that the soil is adequately aerated and has good water retention qualities. The addition of organic matter such as compost or matured manure can provide the necessary nutrients and improve soil structure.
Cultivation of Inulaster kotschyi Sch.Bip. ex Hochst.
Inulaster kotschyi Sch.Bip. ex Hochst. is an herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to Iran, Turkey, and other Middle Eastern countries. This plant prefers a well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can be propagated from seeds or cuttings.
Watering Needs of Inulaster kotschyi Sch.Bip. ex Hochst.
The watering needs of Inulaster kotschyi Sch.Bip. ex Hochst. vary based on the season. During the growing season, this plant requires regular watering, but the soil must be well-drained. In winter, the watering frequency should be reduced to avoid waterlogging that can lead to root rot.
Fertilization of Inulaster kotschyi Sch.Bip. ex Hochst.
Feed Inulaster kotschyi Sch.Bip. ex Hochst. in spring with a balanced fertilizer to support its growth. You can use a slow-release fertilizer or a liquid fertilizer. Be careful not to over-fertilize the plant, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth and reduced flower production.
Pruning of Inulaster kotschyi Sch.Bip. ex Hochst.
Inulaster kotschyi Sch.Bip. ex Hochst. doesn't require much pruning. You can deadhead the spent flowers to encourage new blooms to form. If the plant becomes too dense, you can selectively prune some stems to improve airflow and reduce disease incidence. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Propagation of Inulaster kotschyi Sch.Bip. ex Hochst.
Inulaster kotschyi Sch.Bip. ex Hochst., commonly known as Inula or Elecampane, is propagated by seed, stem cuttings and root division.
Seed Propagation
The most popular method for propagating Inulaster kotschyi is through seeds. The seeds require a period of cold stratification before planting in the early spring. Germination usually takes between 10-21 days at a temperature of 20-25°C.
Propagation through Stem Cuttings
Inulaster kotschyi can also be propagated by stem cutting. For this purpose, 4-5 inch stem cuttings are taken from the plant's healthy branch and are planted in a well-draining soil mixture. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting to improve rooting, and they should be kept in bright, indirect light with moderate humidity until they are established.
Propagation through Root Division
Propagation through root division involves separating the plant into small sections, each containing a portion of the root system and a few shoots. After separation, the new sections are planted in a well-drained potting mix that is kept moist until the plants have become established.
Overall, Inulaster kotschyi Sch.Bip. ex Hochst. is easily propagated through seeds, stem cuttings or root division. However, proper care and attention should be given to the plant during the propagation process to ensure its successful growth and development.
Disease Management for Inulaster kotschyi Sch.Bip. ex Hochst.
Inulaster kotschyi Sch.Bip. ex Hochst. is a hardy plant that is not susceptible to many diseases. However, it may fall prey to some bacterial diseases, such as bacterial leaf spot. This disease causes small, water-soaked lesions on the leaves of the plant, which later turn black and may fall off. To control bacterial leaf spot, it is essential to remove and destroy all the infected plant parts immediately. Moreover, ensure that the plant has adequate air circulation and try not to wet the leaves while watering.
Inulaster kotschyi may also be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew. It is indicated by a white powdery coating on the leaves of the plant. It is recommended to ensure adequate spacing of the plant, good air circulation, and minimal watering on the leaves to prevent powdery mildew. If the plant still becomes infected, you can apply fungicides to control the disease.
Pest Management for Inulaster kotschyi Sch.Bip. ex Hochst.
Inulaster kotschyi Sch.Bip. ex Hochst. does not attract many pests. However, some insect pests such as aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies may occasionally affect the plant. To control these pests and prevent infestation, you can use organic insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils. These should be used as per the manufacturer's instructions. Alternatively, predatory insects such as ladybugs and lacewings can be introduced to the ecosystem to control pests naturally.
In conclusion, Inulaster kotschyi Sch.Bip. ex Hochst. is an easy-to-grow plant that requires minimal care. However, it is essential to keep an eye out for pests and diseases and take appropriate measures to prevent or control them as needed.
