Overview of Mirabilis Expansa
Mirabilis expansa is an upright, clumping perennial shrub from the family Nyctaginaceae. This plant is also commonly known by its native name "Mauka" and "Peruvian high Andes root vegetable."
Origin of Mirabilis Expansa
Mirabilis expansa is native to the high Andes of Peru and Bolivia. It is a staple food and medicinal plant of Andean people, dating back to Inca civilization. Today, it is cultivated in Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia for its edible roots, leaves, and seeds.
Appearance of Mirabilis Expansa
The Mirabilis expansa shrub can reach up to 2 meters tall with thick stems and leaves. The leaves are glossy, dark green, obovate, and lanceolate, growing to lengths of up to 10cm. The flowers are trumpet-shaped, pink to white in color, and bloom at night, giving them the common name "Four o'clocks." The roots are the most striking feature of the plant, which are club-shaped, fleshy, and grow up to 1.5 meters long and 10-30cm in diameter.
Uses of Mirabilis Expansa
The Mirabilis expansa plant has various uses, including medicinal, ornamental, and food. The roots are the most sought after, which are used as a traditional medicine to treat digestive problems, respiratory illness, and diabetes. The roots are also rich in starch and eaten cooked as a vegetable or used to make a nutritious and gluten-free flour. The leaves and seeds are also edible and used in traditional Andean cuisine. The plant's flowers are cultivated for their stunning ornamental value in gardens and landscapes.
In conclusion, Mirabilis expansa is an ancient plant species with a rich history and cultural significance. It is an excellent food source, medicinal plant, and ornamental garden plant.
Light Requirements
Mirabilis expansa, commonly known as mashua, requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. This plant can tolerate direct sunlight but not for long periods, especially during the hottest parts of the day. Therefore, it is recommended to grow it in areas with some shade during the afternoon.
Temperature Requirements
Mashua grows in regions with a moderate to cool climate. It prefers temperatures between 18-22°C (64-72°F) but can withstand temperatures as low as -5°C (23°F) and as high as 28°C (82°F). This plant is frost intolerant, and exposing it to temperatures below -2°C (28°F) damages its underground tubers.
Soil Requirements
The soil for mashua should be well-draining, fertile, and slightly acidic with a pH range of 5.5-6.5. A soil rich in organic matter, such as compost, is recommended. Mashua grows well in loam and sandy loam soils with adequate drainage. However, it does not tolerate waterlogged soils as these may damage the fleshy tuberous roots.
Cultivation Methods
Mirabilis expansa or Mashua is a herbaceous plant that requires partial sunlight to grow. You can grow it in well-drained soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. It is best to plant them in mounds to improve the drainage. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 10°C and 18°C. It can grow up to a height of 1.5 meters and a spread of 60-100 cm.
Watering Needs
The watering needs of the Mirabilis expansa plant depend on the soil type and the weather conditions. In general, it requires moderate watering, and the soil should be moist but not waterlogged. You should water the plant when the soil feels dry to the touch. During the hot and dry summer months, the plant may need more frequent watering.
Fertilization
Mirabilis expansa is a heavy feeder, and it requires regular fertilization to help it grow. You should fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season using a balanced fertilizer. Additionally, you can use compost or well-rotted manure to provide organic nutrients to the plant. However, make sure not to over-fertilize, as this can cause the plant to grow too quickly and become weak.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for the Mirabilis expansa plant, but you can prune it to control its growth and improve its appearance. You should remove any dead or damaged leaves and stems to prevent disease and promote new growth. Additionally, you can pinch back the stems to encourage bushier growth and increase the number of flowers. Pruning should be done in the spring before the growing season begins.
Propagation of Mirabilis expansa
Mirabilis expansa, also known as the mashua or Andean tuber, is a tuberous crop that originated in the Andean mountains of South America. Propagation of this plant is usually done by vegetative means, as it does not produce viable seeds.
Tuber division propagation
The primary method of propagation for Mirabilis expansa is through tuber division. This involves the separation of the tubers from the parent plant and planting the individual tubers to grow new plants.
To propagate through tuber division, the parent plant should be lifted from the soil during the dormant season. The tubers can then be separated and planted in well-drained soil, keeping each individual tuber about 6 to 8 inches apart and about 4 to 5 inches deep in the soil. The tubers should be planted with their sprouting eyes facing upward to ensure proper growth.
Cutting propagation
Propagation through cuttings is also possible for Mirabilis expansa. This method involves taking stem cuttings from mature plants and planting them in a suitable growing environment.
The cuttings should be about 6 inches long and should be taken from the still-green, non-woody parts of the plant. The base of the cutting should be dipped in a rooting hormone to stimulate root growth, and then planted in well-drained soil. The cutting should be kept constantly moist until it begins to root and establish itself in the soil.
In conclusion
Mirabilis expansa is an important crop in many South American countries, and propagating it through tuber division or cuttings is an effective way to increase crop yields. Careful attention should be paid to the timing of tuber division and environmental conditions during cutting propagation to ensure successful growth of new plants.
Disease and Pest Management for Mirabilis Expansa
Mirabilis expansa, also known as Andean root vegetable or Mashua, received attention from researchers due to its potential in food security and medicinal value. However, like any other plant, it is also prone to disease and infestation. Disease and pest management practices are necessary to maintain the health and vitality of the plant.
Common Diseases
One common disease that affects Mirabilis expansa is the leaf spot. Symptoms of the infection include brown or black spots on the leaves, which can cause leaf wilting and defoliation. Fungal pathogens usually cause this disease, which commonly thrives in damp conditions. Appropriate management for the leaf spot disease includes removing affected leaves, maintaining proper plant spacing, and improving air circulation.
Another common disease that affects Mirabilis expansa is powdery mildew. This fungal disease affects the foliage of the plant, leaving a white, powdery substance on the surface of the leaves. The powdery mildew affects the plant's ability to photosynthesize, reducing its vigor and yield. The ideal management for powdery mildew is preventing the buildup of humidity by adequately spacing the plants. In the occurrence of an outbreak, apply fungicides that contain potassium bicarbonate or sulfur for organic control.
Common Pests
The most common pests that affect Mirabilis expansa include aphids and caterpillars. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on plant sap, which can cause stunted growth and yellowing of leaves if unchecked. Removal of aphids by hand or simply blasting them off with water is an ecological pest control method. In severe cases, the application of insecticidal soap or neem oil may be necessary.
Caterpillars are also a common pest of Mirabilis expansa. These worms feed on the foliage and can cause significant damage, including skeletonizing or defoliation of entire leaves. Biological control methods such as parasitic wasps, Bacillus thuringiensis, or spinosad are effective ways of controlling caterpillar infestations.
Proper cultural practices, including fertilization, irrigation, and pruning, contribute to the vigor and health of the plant. Additionally, preventative measures, such as regular scouting for the presence of pests and diseases, help prevent significant outbreaks, limiting the destruction of the crops.
