Origin
Lesquerella engelmannii (Gray) S. Wats. ssp. alba (Goodman) C. Clark is a plant that naturally grows in the southwestern region of the United States, specifically in Arizona, New Mexico, western Texas, and northern Mexico.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known as white bladderpod, engelmann's bladderpod, or Engelman's bladderpod.
Uses
The seeds of Lesquerella engelmannii ssp. alba have potential commercial value as a biofuel crop due to its high oil content. The oil extracted from the seeds is similar to that of castor oil, making it a feasible alternative to petroleum-based products. Additionally, the plant has been traditionally used in herbal medicine as a treatment for various ailments, including stomach aches, headaches, and rheumatism.
General Appearance
Lesquerella engelmannii ssp. Alba is a perennial herb that grows up to 30 cm in height. The leaves of the plant are toothed, spade-shaped, and arranged in a basal rosette. The stem is short and covered with fine hairs. The flowers are white or yellow and typically bloom from March to May. The fruit is a small, bladder-like capsule that contains the seeds. The plant prefers dry, rocky soils and is often found growing in desert scrub habitats.
Light Conditions
Lesquerella engelmannii ssp. alba typically grows in full sun to partial shade. It prefers direct sunlight for at least six hours a day. Sunlight is necessary for photosynthesis, which is essential for the growth and development of the plant.
Temperature Conditions
Lesquerella engelmannii ssp. alba prefers cool to warm temperatures for its growth. It can tolerate temperatures between 10°C to 30°C. The plant requires a certain amount of chill hours to produce flowers and set seeds. Extreme temperatures can cause stress to the plant and reduce its growth rate.
Soil Conditions
The plant can grow well in sandy, loamy, or clayey soils. It prefers well-drained soils with moderate moisture. Poorly drained soils can lead to root rot and damage the plant. The ideal soil pH is between 6.5 to 8.0. The plant needs moderate fertility and can benefit from regular applications of organic fertilizers.
Cultivation
Lesquerella engelmannii ssp. alba is a perennial plant that is native to North America, particularly found in the southwestern United States. The plant prefers well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5, and it requires full sun exposure.
The seeds of L. engelmannii ssp. alba can be sown directly into the soil outdoors in late fall or early spring, or they can be started indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date. The seeds should be placed about 1/4 inch deep into the soil, and the soil should be kept moist until the seeds germinate, which can take up to 4 weeks.
Seedlings can be transplanted outdoors once they have grown to about 6 inches tall and are sturdy enough to withstand the outdoor conditions.
Watering Needs
L. engelmannii ssp. alba is drought-tolerant once established, but it requires regular watering during its first growing season to help establish a deep root system.
Young plants should be watered deeply once a week, while mature plants can be watered every 2 to 3 weeks. Make sure the soil dries out between waterings to prevent root rot.
Fertilization
L. engelmannii ssp. alba does not require much fertilization, but you can use a balanced fertilizer once a year in the spring to promote healthy growth.
Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive growth and reduced flowering.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for L. engelmannii ssp. alba, but you can prune the plant after flowering to maintain its shape and prevent it from becoming overly woody.
Remove any dead or diseased branches, as well as any crossing branches that are rubbing against each other.
Propagation of Lesquerella engelmannii (Gray) S. Wats. ssp. alba (Goodman) C. Clark
Lesquerella engelmannii (Gray) S. Wats. ssp. alba (Goodman) C. Clark can be propagated using different methods, including seeds, cuttings, and division.
Seeds
The most common propagation method for Lesquerella engelmannii (Gray) S. Wats. ssp. alba (Goodman) C. Clark is by using seeds. The seeds should be collected when they are mature and have turned brown. These seeds can be directly sown in a potting mix or in the ground. The seedlings will emerge after a few weeks, and they should be watered regularly until they establish themselves.
Cuttings
Another way of propagating Lesquerella engelmannii (Gray) S. Wats. ssp. alba (Goodman) C. Clark is by using stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem from the plant, cut it at an angle, and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in a pot filled with moist potting soil. Keep the soil moist, and you will see roots forming after a few weeks.
Division
Propagation of Lesquerella engelmannii (Gray) S. Wats. ssp. alba (Goodman) C. Clark can also be done by dividing mature plants. This method involves digging up an established plant and dividing it into several parts with a sharp knife or garden shears. Each part should have roots and shoots, and they should be planted in separate pots or in the ground. Water the new plants until they establish themselves and start to grow.
Disease Management
Lesquerella engelmannii (Gray) S. Wats. ssp. alba (Goodman) C. Clark is susceptible to a few diseases that can afflict the plant. Fusarium wilt is a common fungal disease that causes withered leaves and stunted growth in plants. To manage this disease, it is important to keep the soil well-drained, avoid excess watering, and maintain good plant hygiene by regularly removing dead or damaged plant material.
If Fusarium wilt is identified in a crop, it is important to remove and destroy infected plants to prevent the spread of spores. Use of resistant cultivars can also provide effective management of Fusarium wilt.
Pest Management
Lesquerella engelmannii (Gray) S. Wats. ssp. alba (Goodman) C. Clark is also susceptible to several pests that can cause damage to the plant. The flea beetle and the aphid are two of the most common pests that attack this plant. Flea beetles feed on the leaves, causing small holes that can stunt plant growth, while aphids feed on the sap, causing yellowing of leaves and spreading of viruses that can harm the plant.
To manage flea beetles, the use of insecticides and the practice of crop rotation can be effective ways to control their population. Use of yellow sticky traps is also a non-toxic way to monitor and control their population.
Aphids can be managed by introducing natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings. The use of insecticidal soap and neem oil can also be effective in controlling their population. Regularly monitoring the plants is important to detect the presence of pests early enough to manage them effectively, before the damage becomes severe.
