Description of Malvastrum Marrubioides Dur. & Hilg.
Malvastrum Marrubioides Dur. & Hilg. is a species of flowering plant in the Malvaceae family. It is commonly found in Southwestern and Mexican regions of the United States like New Mexico, Arizona, and parts of Texas. It is also known as Horehound tree-mallow, Marrubio, Guinolillo, or Vara de San José.
General appearance
The plant's growth pattern is erect, sparse, and can reach up to 1.5 meters high. The leaves of this plant are small and narrow, with 5-7 lobes, located on 5-9 cm petioles. The flowers are pink to purplish in color with five petals extending to 1.5cm in diameter, and their calyx is similar in color to the petals, about 1-2cm long, and stellate (arranged in a star-like pattern). The fruit is a schizocarp composed of 10 or more cocci, each containing one seed.
Uses of Malvastrum Marrubioides Dur. & Hilg.
Malvastrum Marrubioides Dur. & Hilg. has several medicinal properties and has been used as a traditional natural remedy for various ailments. The plant's leaves, flowers, stems, and roots are used to make teas, tinctures, and extracts that can be used to treat several health issues like coughs, colds, fever, asthma, bronchial diseases, and body pain. It is also believed to be useful in treating inflammation, wound healing, and digestive problems like indigestion, bloating, and diarrhea. The plant's roots also have astringent and laxative properties and are used to treat uterine prolapse and sexually transmitted infections.
The plant is also an excellent source of nectar for pollinators and has ornamental values in landscaping because of its bright pink flowers.
Light Requirements
Malvastrum marrubioides Dur. & Hilg. requires full sun exposure to grow at its best. It is the ideal plant for areas with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Inadequate light can result in stunted growth and poor flowering.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm and moderate temperatures for proper growth. The average daytime temperature range for optimal growth is between 20-30°C (68-86°F). The plant can withstand a minimum temperature of -5°C (23°F) but may suffer if there is an extended frost period or prolonged exposure to frost.
Soil Requirements
Malvastrum marrubioides Dur. & Hilg. requires well-drained, slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. The soil must be rich in essential plant nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The ideal soil type should be moist and loamy, with good water retention and aeration capacity.
Cultivation methods
Malvastrum marrubioides Dur. & Hilg., commonly known as horehound falsemallow, is a perennial herb that belongs to the mallow family. It is recommended to cultivate horehound falsemallow in well-drained soils with a slightly alkaline pH level of 6.5 to 7.5. A sandy loam soil mixture is ideal for this plant, but it can also grow in clay soils with excellent drainage. Planting should be carried out in the early spring when there is no longer a risk of frost.
Watering needs
When it comes to watering, horehound falsemallow has moderate water requirements. To prevent the plant from drying out, it is best to water it once a week during the growing season. The frequency of watering should be adjusted according to the soil's moisture content. Overwatering must be avoided because it can cause root rot if the soil is poorly drained.
Fertilization
Horehound falsemallow can benefit from occasional fertilization during the growing season to encourage better growth. A balanced N-P-K fertilizer should be used every four weeks, starting in the early spring until mid-summer. Alternatively, well-rotted manure can also be added to the soil in the fall to improve the soil's fertility.
Pruning
Pruning is not required for horehound falsemallow, but it can be beneficial to remove dead or damaged stems between early spring and summer. Cutting back the plant by one-third will also encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Deadheading spent flowers will also encourage prolonged blooming and prevent the formation of seed pods that can self-sow and become invasive.
Propagation of Malvastrum marrubioides Dur. & Hilg.
Malvastrum marrubioides Dur. & Hilg., also known as horehound falsemallow, is a herbaceous plant that is generally propagated through seed. The plant flowers from June to October and produces a globular fruit that contains about 2-3 seeds. The seeds are small, black and wrinkled and require proper storage before propagation.
Seed Propagation
The most common propagation method for Malvastrum marrubioides Dur. & Hilg. is through seeds. The seeds should be harvested when the fruit capsule is dry but before it splits open. The seeds must be stored in a cool and dry place until ready for propagation. Before sowing, the seeds need to be soaked in warm water for at least 24 hours.
After soaking, the seeds should be planted in well-drained soil. It is recommended to use a soil mixture that is rich in organic matter. The seeds should be planted at a depth of about 1/4 inch and spaced about 1 foot apart. The planting should occur in early spring, just after the last frost in the area.
The seeds will germinate in 10-21 days depending on the soil temperature. The ideal temperature for germination is approximately 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit. After germination, the seedlings need to be thinned out so that there is only one plant per foot of space.
Vegetative Propagation
Malvastrum marrubioides Dur. & Hilg. can also be propagated through vegetative means but this is not a common practice. However, if required, the plant can be propagated through cuttings or division of the parent plant.
Cuttings should be taken in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be about 6 inches long, stripped of any lower leaves and planted in a soil mix that contains sand or perlite. The cuttings should be kept moist and placed in a shaded area until new growth appears.
The plant can also be divided in early spring. The root ball should be carefully dug up and the plant separated into sections. Each section should have some roots and stem. The divided sections should be planted in soil that is rich in organic matter and kept moist until new growth appears.
These are the main propagation methods for Malvastrum marrubioides Dur. & Hilg. Growers should choose the most appropriate method depending on the available resources, time, and skills.
Disease and Pest Management for Malvastrum marrubioides
Malvastrum marrubioides, commonly known as woolly Indian mallow, is a native shrub that belongs to the family Malvaceae. To keep the plant healthy, it is essential to manage both disease and pest infestations that may affect the plant's growth. Here are some common diseases and pests to look out for and ways to manage them:
Diseases
1. Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease that affects Malvastrum marrubioides. This disease causes a white, powdery growth on the leaves and stems of the plant, which can stunt its growth and cause discoloration. To manage this disease, remove any infected leaves and ensure that the plant is getting enough water. You may also apply a fungicide that contains potassium bicarbonate or neem oil to keep this disease at bay.
2. Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is another fungal disease that can affect Malvastrum marrubioides. This disease causes the leaves to form small, brownish-black spots, and it can cause defoliation if left unchecked. To manage this disease, remove and dispose of any infected parts of the plant, ensuring to not leave fallen leaves or debris near the plant. Applying a copper fungicide according to instructions will also help control the disease.
Pests
1. Spider Mites: Spider mites are common pests that can affect Malvastrum marrubioides. These pests suck the sap from the leaves of the plant, causing them to dry out and appear yellow. To manage spider mites, wash the leaves of the plant with a stream of water and maintain a humid environment around the plant. For more severe infestations, apply an insecticidal soap or neem oil according to instructions.
2. Aphids: Aphids are another type of pest that can infest Malvastrum marrubioides. These pests feed on the plant's sap and secrete a sticky substance called honeydew. This, in turn, attracts ants and can cause the leaves to turn yellow and curl. To manage aphids, you can introduce natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings to the area. Alternatively, you may apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to the plant according to instructions.
Overall, maintaining healthy growing conditions such as proper watering and air circulation, can help reduce the likelihood of disease and pest infestations. Regularly inspecting the plant and addressing any issues immediately can make a significant difference in keeping Malvastrum marrubioides healthy and thriving.
