Origin and Common Names
Lesquerella arctica (Wormsk. ex Hornem.) S. Wats. var. calderi (Mulligan & Porsild) Welsh, commonly known as Arctic bladderpod, is a plant species that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. This native plant species is found mainly in the North American Arctic, including the Canadian Arctic and Alaska.
General Appearance
Arctic bladderpod usually grows up to 12–25 centimeters in height. It has small oval leaves that are light green and sticky to the touch. The plant also produces small yellow flowers, which eventually give way to small, oval-shaped fruits that have a distinctive bladder-like appearance. The plant's root emerges from a basal rosette and has a woody base with a fibrous texture.
Uses
Research indicates that Arctic bladderpod oil has potential industrial uses, including in manufacturing plastics, lubricants, and biofuel. The plant also has medicinal applications; Indigenous peoples have used the plant to treat respiratory illness and as an emetic. The plant's seeds and leaves have also been used as a food source, with the seeds being ground into a flour and mixed with water or meat.
Overall, Lesquerella arctica (Wormsk. ex Hornem.) S. Wats. var. calderi (Mulligan & Porsild) Welsh is a valuable plant species with various purposes, from oil production to traditional medicine.Growth Conditions for Lesquerella arctica var. calderi
Lesquerella arctica var. calderi is a rare and endangered species that is found only in the rocky slopes and cliffs of the Canadian Arctic and Greenland. The plant requires specific growing conditions to thrive and reproduce successfully.
Light Requirements
L. arctica var. calderi grows in full sunlight or partial shade. It requires at least six hours of sunlight per day to grow properly. The plant also adapts to varying light conditions and can grow in both direct and indirect light.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows in cold and harsh environments typical of the Arctic region. L. arctica var. calderi grows best in temperatures between 5°C to 20°C. The plant can also tolerate sub-zero temperatures for extended periods, making it well adapted to the cold weather conditions of the region.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows best in well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The soil should be rich in nutrients and organic matter. The plant has an extensive root system that enables it to extract nutrients, water, and minerals from the soil effectively. Additionally, L. arctica var. calderi can only survive in soils with low salinity levels, as the plant is sensitive to high salt concentrations and cannot tolerate saline soils.
Cultivation methods
Lesquerella arctica var. calderi is a hardy plant that is native to Arctic regions. It can tolerate extreme temperatures and requires a cool environment for optimal growth. When cultivating this plant, it is essential to provide it with sufficient sunlight, which should be around six to eight hours a day. It is also important to plant it in well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5. When planting, you should space the plants 12-18 inches apart to allow adequate air circulation.Watering needs
Lesquerella arctica var. calderi can withstand drought conditions but still requires adequate water for optimal growth. It is crucial to avoid overwatering, as it can cause root rot or other fungal diseases. It would be best if you watered the plant once or twice a week, depending on the weather. If your area is experiencing a dry spell, you may need to water more frequently, but ensure the soil is not waterlogged.Fertilization
Lesquerella arctica var. calderi requires minimal fertilization. You can incorporate a slow-release organic fertilizer into the soil during planting. Afterward, you may only need to fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season, using a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Avoid fertilizing during the winter or when the plant is dormant.Pruning
Lesquerella arctica var. calderi is a low-maintenance plant that does not require frequent pruning. However, you can prune it to remove any dead or damaged foliage, which may cause disease. You can prune it after flowering to encourage bushy growth. When pruning, use sanitized tools to avoid spreading diseases.Propagation of Lesquerella arctica var. calderi
Lesquerella arctica var. calderi can be propagated by various methods including seed germination, division, and cuttings.
Seed Germination
The easiest and the most common method of propagation for Lesquerella arctica var. calderi is through seed germination. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil, and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. The seeds require a temperature of around 20°C to germinate quickly. The seedlings should be watered regularly and kept in an area with bright filtered light. Once they are mature enough, they can be transplanted into larger individual pots or into the ground.
Division
Another method of propagation for Lesquerella arctica var. calderi is through division. The plant can be carefully dug up, and the root ball can be divided into smaller sections with each section containing a healthy crown. Each section can then be planted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
Cuttings
Lesquerella arctica var. calderi can also be propagated through cuttings. Cuttings of this plant should be taken in the early spring when new growth is beginning. The cuttings should be taken from healthy stems and should be around 4 to 5 inches long. The lower leaves of the cutting should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a mixture of sand and compost. The cuttings should be kept in a humid environment and should be watered regularly. Once they have developed roots, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
Disease Management for Lesquerella arctica var. calderi
Lesquerella arctica var. calderi is generally a disease-resistant plant, but some fungal and bacterial pathogens can occasionally cause problems.
The most common disease affecting Lesquerella arctica var. calderi is root rot, caused by various soil-borne fungal pathogens. The symptoms of root rot include wilting, yellowing, and death of leaves, stunted growth, and root decay. To manage root rot, it is important to avoid overwatering and to improve soil drainage. Applying fungicides also helps to control the spread of root rot.
Another disease that can infect Lesquerella arctica var. calderi is leaf spot, which is caused by fungal pathogens. Symptoms of leaf spot include brown or black spots on the leaves, which can expand and cause the leaves to fall off. To manage leaf spot, it is important to maintain good air circulation around the plants, avoid overhead watering, and remove infected leaves. Applying fungicides also helps to control the spread of leaf spot.
Bacterial wilt is another disease that can occasionally infect Lesquerella arctica var. calderi. This disease causes wilting, yellowing, and stunting of plants and is caused by soil-borne bacteria. There is no cure for bacterial wilt, so it is important to remove and destroy infected plants and avoid planting in the same area for some time.
Pest Management for Lesquerella arctica var. calderi
Lesquerella arctica var. calderi is generally pest-resistant, but some pests can cause damage to the plant.
The most common pest of Lesquerella arctica var. calderi is aphids. These small, soft-bodied insects feed on the plant's sap and can cause wilting, yellowing, and stunted growth. To manage aphids, it is important to remove infected leaves, maintain good air circulation around the plants, and apply insecticides.
Spider mites are another pest that can damage Lesquerella arctica var. calderi. These tiny arachnids feed on the plant's sap and cause yellowing, browning, and premature death of leaves. To manage spider mites, it is important to maintain good air circulation around the plants, avoid overhead watering, and apply miticides.
Finally, Lesquerella arctica var. calderi can be infested with whiteflies, which are small, winged insects that feed on the plant's sap. Infested plants will have yellowing leaves and a sticky residue on the leaves. To manage whiteflies, it is important to remove infected leaves, maintain good air circulation, and apply insecticides.
