Overview
Lesquerella gordonii (Gray) S. Wats. var. sessilis S. Wats. is a small, perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Brassicaceae family. It is commonly known as Gordon bladderpod or sessile bladderpod. This plant is native to the southwestern United States, particularly in New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma, and also found in northern Mexico.
Appearance
Gordon bladderpod plant has a basal rosette of leaves that are oblong-shaped or spathulate. Its stem grows up to a height of 2-4 inches and is densely covered with stellate hairs. The flowers are yellow, small and borne in an elongated raceme at the tip of the stem. The fruit is a bladder-like shape capsule that is up to 1.5 cm long and is covered with long stellate hairs.
Uses
Lesquerella gordonii var. sessilis has several traditional uses in Native American medicine. It is known to possess anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. Certain tribes of Native Americans use the plant for treating gastrointestinal disorders. The leaves and roots of the plant have also been used as a topical remedy to soothe wounds and skin irritations.
Lesquerella gordonii var. sessilis is one of the potential species for the production of biodiesel owing to its high seed oil content. Its oil contains lesquerolic acid, which is a type of hydroxy fatty acid. The oil has properties similar to that of castor oil and can be used in various industrial applications, such as in the production of lubricants, plastics, and cosmetics.
Overall, Lesquerella gordonii var. sessilis is a valuable plant species with medicinal and industrial importance.Light Requirements
Lesquerella gordonii var. sessilis is a sun-loving plant that requires full sun exposure for optimal growth and development. It thrives in open areas with direct sunlight and does not tolerate shade well. It is recommended to plant this species in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species is native to the desert regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, so it is adapted to hot and dry climates. It can withstand high temperatures ranging from 90-100°F during the day and 60-70°F at night. However, it is not frost tolerant and requires protection during freezing temperatures.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows best in well-drained soils with good aeration. It prefers sandy or loamy soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should be moderately fertile and should not be too rich in organic matter. Additionally, adding a layer of mulch around the plant can help in retaining moisture and regulating soil temperature.
Cultivation Methods
Lesquerella gordonii (Gray) S. Wats. var. sessilis S. Wats. requires a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It thrives in full sun but also grows well in partial shade. The plant can be cultivated in containers or beds and is usually grown from seeds.
Propagation is usually done in the fall. The seeds must be sown in well-prepared soil and covered with a thin layer of mulch. They need to be kept moist until they germinate, which usually takes about two weeks. Once they have germinated, it is important to thin out the seedlings, leaving only the strongest ones to grow.
Watering Needs
Lesquerella gordonii (Gray) S. Wats. var. sessilis S. Wats. does not require much water once established. It is a drought-tolerant plant that can survive in dry conditions. However, during its growth stage, the plant needs regular watering to ensure that the soil stays moist. Watering should be done in the early morning or late evening to prevent evaporation.
Fertilization
Lesquerella gordonii (Gray) S. Wats. var. sessilis S. Wats. does not require much fertilization. A slow-release, balanced fertilizer can be applied once or twice a year in the spring or fall. It should be applied around the base of the plant and watered in well. Care should be taken not to over-fertilize, as this can cause damage to the plant.
Pruning
Lesquerella gordonii (Gray) S. Wats. var. sessilis S. Wats. does not require much pruning. However, deadheading spent blooms can encourage new growth and prolong the flowering period. Any damaged or diseased stems should also be pruned back to prevent further damage to the plant. Care should be taken not to prune off too much of the plant, as this can affect its growth and flowering.
Propagation of Lesquerella gordonii (Gray) S. Wats. var. sessilis S. Wats.
Lesquerella gordonii (Gray) S. Wats. var. sessilis S. Wats. can be propagated through various methods:
Seed propagation
Lesquerella gordonii (Gray) S. Wats. var. sessilis S. Wats. can be propagated from seed. The seeds can be directly sown into the ground in the spring or fall. They can also be started indoors in the winter and transplanted in the spring when the weather warms up.
The seeds should be planted in well-draining soil that has been tilled to a fine texture. They should be covered with a thin layer of soil and kept moist. The seeds will germinate in 2-3 weeks and the seedlings can be thinned to a spacing of 6-12 inches apart.
Cuttings
Lesquerella gordonii (Gray) S. Wats. var. sessilis S. Wats. can be propagated from cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is in the summer when the plant is actively growing and has new growth.
The cutting should be taken from the tip of the stem and should be 4-6 inches long. All leaves should be removed from the lower third of the cutting. The cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in well-draining soil. The soil should be kept moist and the cutting should be kept in a shaded area until roots have developed.
Division
Lesquerella gordonii (Gray) S. Wats. var. sessilis S. Wats. can also be propagated through division. This is best done in the fall when the plant is dormant.
The plant should be dug up and the root system divided into sections. Each section should have at least one healthy shoot. The divided sections should be replanted in well-draining soil and watered regularly until they are established.
Disease Management
Despite being adapted to arid environments, Lesquerella gordonii var. sessilis is not immune to diseases. Some of the common diseases that can affect this plant include:
- Root Rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant. It is caused by different fungi, such as Rhizoctonia solani, Phytophthora spp, and Fusarium spp. The disease causes the roots to rot and eventually the plant wilts and dies. To manage this disease, avoid overwatering, improve drainage, and use soil solarization to kill the pathogens before planting new seedlings.
- Leaf Spot: This is a bacterial or fungal disease that affects the leaves of the plant. It causes small spots on the leaves, which may turn dark brown or black over time. This disease can be managed by pruning the affected parts of the plant, applying a copper-based fungicide or bacterial spray, and increasing air circulation around the plant.
Pest Management
Lesquerella gordonii var. sessilis is also susceptible to pest infestations. Some common pests that can affect this plant include:
- Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the plant's leaves and stems. They can reproduce rapidly and cause severe damage to the plant if left uncontrolled. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil sprays, introduce natural predators such as ladybugs, and encourage birds to feed on them.
- Spider mites: These are tiny arachnids that suck sap from the plant's leaves, causing yellowing, wilting, and eventual death. They are often difficult to see with the naked eye and can quickly spread to other plants. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with water to increase humidity, introduce natural predators like predatory mites, and use insecticidal soap or neem oil sprays.
