Origin and Common Names
Limeum viscosum (J.Gay) Fenzl subsp. nummulifolium (H.Walter) Friedrich, commonly known as the sticky limeum, is a perennial herb that is native to North America. It is found along the eastern coast from Maine to Florida and as far west as Texas. The plant has several common names, including sticky limeum, pennywort, and rubberweed, owing to its sticky texture and the shape of its leaves.
General Appearance
The plant can grow up to 60 cm tall and has a branching stem covered in a sticky glandular hairs that give it a pale green appearance. The leaves are opposite, sessile, petioles, ovate to orbicular in shape and about 1.5 to 5 cm in length. The plant's inflorescence consists of small, inconspicuous flowers that are greenish-white in color and bloom in midsummer.
Uses
The sticky limeum has several medicinal uses. It has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, urinary tract infections, and respiratory illnesses. The plant contains tannins, flavonoids, and terpenoids, which are believed to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. The leaves have also been used to treat skin wounds and burns due to their antiseptic and healing properties.
Limeum viscosum plays an important ecological role as well. It is used as a food source by various insects, including the monarch butterfly, and provides habitat for pollinators such as bees and wasps. The plant is also important for soil conservation as it helps to prevent soil erosion due to its extensive root system.
Light Requirements
Limeum viscosum subsp. nummulifolium typically requires full sun exposure to grow and thrive. It can tolerate partial shade, but this may result in slower growth rates and weaker plants. Therefore, it is best to plant this species in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
This subspecies is native to the southeastern United States, where it grows in hot and humid environments. The ideal temperature range for Limeum viscosum subsp. nummulifolium is between 70-85°F (21-29°C) during the day and above 60°F (16°C) at night. It can tolerate occasional brief frosts, but prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can be lethal.
Soil Requirements
Limeum viscosum subsp. nummulifolium prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. However, it can also grow in sandy, rocky, or clay soils as long as they are not waterlogged. The pH range for this species is between 5.5 and 7.5. It is recommended to amend soils with compost or other organic matter before planting to improve soil quality and fertility.
Cultivation Methods:
Limeum viscosum (J.Gay) Fenzl subsp. nummulifolium (H.Walter) Friedrich, commonly known as Sticky Limeum, is a herbaceous plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is native to the southeastern United States and grows well in several soil types, including clay, loam, and sand.
The plant prefers a sunny location with some shade during the hottest hours of the day. It grows well in USDA hardiness zones 8 to 10 and requires moderate watering.
The recommended planting technique is to sow seeds or transplant seedlings in the spring or early summer. It is advisable to space the plants about 12 to 18 inches apart to allow for proper growth and development.
Watering Needs:
Sticky Limeum has moderate watering needs and will not tolerate waterlogging or drought well. The soil should be moist, but not waterlogged, and should be allowed to dry slightly between watering sessions.
Deep watering is preferable since it keeps the roots moist and encourages growth. Watering should be done early in the morning or late in the evening, providing enough time for the moisture to penetrate the soil before the sun's heat increases.
Fertilization:
Sticky Limeum does not require much fertilization, but it benefits from a yearly feeding during early spring or late winter.
The best way to fertilize the plant is by using an all-purpose fertilizer, preferably one with a higher potassium content. Applying a small amount of compost or well-rotted manure around the base of each plant before watering is another option to provide nutrition.
Pruning:
Pruning is not mandatory for Sticky Limeum, but it can help improve airflow and reduce the risk of disease and pest infestations. It is advisable to remove any yellow or dead leaves regularly.
The plants should be pruned in late winter or early spring, cutting back the stalks to stimulate a healthy growth of new leaves and flowers. The dead stems and flower heads should be removed, promoting the development of new growth.
Propagation of Limeum viscosum (J.Gay) Fenzl subsp. nummulifolium (H.Walter) Friedrich
Limeum viscosum (J.Gay) Fenzl subsp. nummulifolium (H.Walter) Friedrich is a plant species that is propagated mainly by seeds. Although cuttings can be used to propagate this plant species, it is a less common method.
Seed Propagation
The best time to collect Limeum viscosum (J.Gay) Fenzl subsp. nummulifolium (H.Walter) Friedrich seeds is during the late summer or early fall. The seeds should be air-dried and then stored in a cool and dry location. Before planting, the seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours to promote germination.
It is recommended to plant the seeds directly into the soil. The soil should be well-draining and fertile. The seeds should be planted at a depth of about 1/8 inch and spaced 12 inches apart. Optimal soil temperature for germination is between 60 to 70°F.
The seedlings should emerge within a few weeks and can be transplanted to their permanent location once they have grown to about 1 inch in height.
Cutting Propagation
The stem cuttings of Limeum viscosum (J.Gay) Fenzl subsp. nummulifolium (H.Walter) Friedrich can be taken during the spring and summer months. The cuttings should be taken from healthy and mature plants and can be up to 4 inches in length.
The cuttings 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 formed. Once the cutting has developed roots, it can be transplanted to its permanent location.
Disease Management
Limeum viscosum (J.Gay) Fenzl subsp. nummulifolium (H.Walter) Friedrich is a hardy plant that is resistant to most diseases. However, there are a few diseases that can affect it. Here are some common diseases and ways to manage them:
- Leaf spot: This is a common fungal disease that causes small, circular lesions on the leaves. To manage this, remove all infected leaves and spray with a fungicide.
- Canker: This is a bacterial disease that causes lesions on the stem and branches. To manage this, remove all infected branches and spray with a bactericide.
Pest Management
Limeum viscosum (J.Gay) Fenzl subsp. nummulifolium (H.Walter) Friedrich is also resistant to most pests. Here are some common pests and ways to manage them:
- Aphids: These are small, sap-sucking insects that can cause stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. To manage this, spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider mites: These are small, spider-like insects that can cause yellowing and mottling of leaves. To manage this, spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Mealybugs: These are small, white, cottony insects that can cause yellowing and stunting of growth. To manage this, spray with alcohol or insecticidal soap.
