Origin
Lesquerella ovalifolia Rydb. ex Britt. ssp. alba (Goodman) Rollins & Shaw, also known as White bladderpod, is a flowering plant native to the southwestern United States.
Common Names
White bladderpod is commonly referred to as White Lesquerella or simply, Bladderpod. Its scientific name is derived from the botanist Charles L. Lesquereux.
Uses
The plant's seeds are rich in oil, which can be extracted and used in the production of biodiesel. The oil has also been found to have antimicrobial properties. Additionally, traditional Native American tribes have used the plant for medicinal purposes.
General Appearance
The White bladderpod is a small perennial herb that typically grows to be 20-40 cm tall. The plant's leaves are small, ovate and grow in a basal rosette. The flowers are white, and the plant produces numerous seed pods that contain the valuable oil.
Light Requirements
Lesquerella ovalifolia requires full sunlight to thrive and grow. It requires at least six hours of sunlight every day for good growth and development. The plant cannot tolerate shady conditions and will quickly wilt and die if placed in low light conditions.
Temperature Requirements
Lesquerella ovalifolia subspecies alba thrives in warm temperatures, between 75°F and 85°F during the day and between 60°F and 70°F at night. However, it can survive in temperatures as low as 50°F and as high as 100°F for short durations. Temperatures below 40°F or above 110°F are not suitable and can result in damage or death to the plant.
Soil Requirements
Lesquerella ovalifolia subspecies alba thrives in well-drained, sandy or sandy loam soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The plant prefers soil that is rich in organic matter and has good drainage to prevent waterlogging. It can tolerate some drought conditions but requires consistent moisture to grow and produce seeds. Additionally, the plant benefits from adding nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to the soil to promote growth.
Cultivation
Lesquerella ovalifolia Rydb. ex Britt. ssp. alba (Goodman) Rollins & Shaw is a herbaceous perennial plant that needs well-drained soil to grow correctly. The plant prefers full sun or partial shade and can thrive in temperatures ranging from 20°F to 120°F. It can be propagated from seeds or cuttings.
Watering Needs
Ideally, Lesquerella ovalifolia Rydb. ex Britt. ssp. alba (Goodman) Rollins & Shaw should be watered once or twice a week, depending on the weather and the soil type. The plant is drought-resistant, and overwatering could damage the roots. It is essential to check how deep the water is penetrating to ensure that the roots receive enough moisture.
Fertilization
Lesquerella ovalifolia Rydb. ex Britt. ssp. alba (Goodman) Rollins & Shaw does not need fertilizer if grown in rich soil. If the plant is grown in poor soil, it may benefit from a slow-release fertilizer application. It is essential to maintain a balance of nutrients, and over-fertilization can damage the plant.
Pruning
Lesquerella ovalifolia Rydb. ex Britt. ssp. alba (Goodman) Rollins & Shaw benefits from pruning after flowering to promote bushier growth and improve flowering. The plant should be pruned to remove dead or damaged parts regularly. Pruning should be done in late summer or early spring.
Propagation of Lesquerella Ovalifolia Rydb. ex Britt. ssp. Alba (Goodman) Rollins & Shaw
Propagation of Lesquerella Ovalifolia Rydb. ex Britt. ssp. Alba (Goodman) Rollins & Shaw can be done through either seed or vegetative methods.
Seed Propagation
Lesquerella Ovalifolia Rydb. ex Britt. ssp. Alba (Goodman) Rollins & Shaw can be propagated using its seeds. The seeds are obtained from mature flowers of the plant after they have dried. The seeds should be sown in a well-drained, fertile soil mixture in the fall or early winter. The soil should be kept slightly moist, and the seeds should be covered lightly with a thin layer of soil. Germination usually occurs after 2-3 weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted after they have reached a height of 2-3 inches.
Vegetative Propagation
Lesquerella Ovalifolia Rydb. ex Britt. ssp. Alba (Goodman) Rollins & Shaw can also be propagated vegetatively. This can be done by stem cuttings or by division of the root clumps. Stem cuttings can be taken during the growing season when the plant is actively growing. The cuttings should be taken from the softwood part of the stem and should be about 3-6 inches long. The cuttings should be planted in a well-drained soil mix and should be kept moist until they have rooted. Division of the root clumps should be done during the dormant season when the plant is not actively growing. The clumps can be divided into smaller pieces, and each piece can be potted and kept moist until new growth appears.
Disease Management
One of the common diseases that may affect Lesquerella ovalifolia Rydb. ex Britt. ssp. alba is root rot. It is caused by soil-borne pathogens like Pythium, Phytophthora, and Rhizoctonia. The disease can be managed by improving soil drainage and avoiding overwatering. Crop rotation can also be used to reduce the buildup of pathogens in the soil.
Another disease that may affect the plant is powdery mildew. It is caused by fungal pathogens that thrive in humid conditions. The disease can be managed by ensuring good air circulation around the plants, avoiding overhead irrigation, and applying fungicides at the first sign of infection.
Bacterial wilt is another disease that can affect Lesquerella ovalifolia Rydb. ex Britt. ssp. alba. It is caused by bacteria that enter the plant through wounds, insect feeding, or contaminated equipment. The disease can be managed by using clean equipment, controlling insect populations, and removing infected plants.
Pest Management
Aphids are common pests that may affect the plant. They feed on the sap of the plant and can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. The pests can be managed by using insecticidal soaps or oils, introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, or spraying the plants with water to dislodge the aphids.
Another common pest that may affect the plant is flea beetles. They chew small holes in the leaves of the plant, causing significant damage. The pests can be managed by using sticky traps, introducing predatory insects, or applying insecticides.
Cutworms are another pest that may affect Lesquerella ovalifolia Rydb. ex Britt. ssp. alba. They cut the stems of the plant, causing significant damage. The pests can be managed by using collars around the base of the plants, applying Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), or handpicking the pests.
It is important to monitor Lesquerella ovalifolia Rydb. ex Britt. ssp. alba for diseases and pests regularly. By identifying problems early, the plant can be managed effectively, and the potential damage can be reduced.
