Overview of Mollugo cerviana (L.) Ser. ex DC. var. spathulifolia Fenzl
Mollugo cerviana (L.) Ser. ex DC. var. spathulifolia Fenzl is a plant belonging to the family of Molluginaceae. It is a herbaceous plant with a wide geographical distribution across different regions of the world.
Origin and Common Names
Mollugo cerviana (L.) Ser. ex DC. var. spathulifolia Fenzl is native to regions of Europe, Asia, and Africa. It is commonly known as Spoon-leaved Carpetweed due to its spoon-shaped leaves.
General Appearance
The plant usually grows up to a height of 10 to 20 cm and has a spreading habit. The leaves are spoon-shaped and arranged opposite each other on the stem. The flowers of the plant have five white petals and appear in clusters at the top of the stem. The fruit of the plant is small, round, and has a reddish-brown color.
Uses
Mollugo cerviana (L.) Ser. ex DC. var. spathulifolia Fenzl is known for its various medicinal properties. The plant has been used as a traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as bronchitis, fever, and diarrhea. It is also used as a culinary herb to flavor dishes and as a salad ingredient due to its pleasant taste and aroma.
In addition to its medicinal and culinary uses, Mollugo cerviana (L.) Ser. ex DC. var. spathulifolia Fenzl is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes due to its attractive appearance and low maintenance requirements.
Light Requirement
Mollugo cerviana (L.) Ser. ex DC. var. spathulifolia Fenzl prefer full sunlight to partial shade. It can tolerate full sunlight but prefers shade during the afternoon.
Temperature Requirement
Mollugo cerviana (L.) Ser. ex DC. var. spathulifolia Fenzl prefers a warm and humid climate. It can tolerate extreme temperatures ranging from -3°C to 45°C, but growth and reproduction are optimal at temperatures ranging from 18°C to 30°C.
Soil Requirement
Mollugo cerviana (L.) Ser. ex DC. var. spathulifolia Fenzl prefers well-drained soils that have a high moisture holding capacity. The plant can thrive in different types of soil, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils. However, it requires a soil pH of 6.0 to 7.5. The plant is tolerant to salt; thus, it can grow in saline soils.
Cultivation Methods
Mollugo cerviana (L.) Ser. ex DC. var. spathulifolia Fenzl is a hardy plant that can be grown in various soil types including sandy, loamy, and clayey soils. The ideal soil pH is around 6.5 to 7.5. The plant prefers full sun but can also grow in partial shade.
It is best to start planting in early spring or fall. Sow the seeds directly into the soil with a spacing of 6 to 12 inches between each plant. The seeds should be planted at a depth of ¼ inch. Water the plant regularly until it establishes.
Watering Needs
Mollugo cerviana (L.) Ser. ex DC. var. spathulifolia Fenzl prefers moderate watering, and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. The frequency of watering depends on the climate and soil type. In most areas, watering once a week should be sufficient. However, during hot and dry periods, the plant may require more frequent watering.
Fertilization
When it comes to fertilization, Mollugo cerviana (L.) Ser. ex DC. var. spathulifolia Fenzl is not a heavy feeder. A balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 should be applied once every two months during the growing season. It's important not to overfertilize the plants, as this can lead to excessive vegetative growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
Mollugo cerviana (L.) Ser. ex DC. var. spathulifolia Fenzl requires little to no pruning. However, to encourage bushier growth, a light pruning can be done in the early spring before new growth begins. Deadheading can also be done to remove spent blooms and encourage the plant to produce more flowers.
Propagation of Mollugo cerviana (L.) Ser. ex DC. var. spathulifolia Fenzl
Mollugo cerviana (L.) Ser. ex DC. var. spathulifolia Fenzl can be propagated through various methods including:
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Mollugo cerviana (L.) Ser. ex DC. var. spathulifolia Fenzl can be sown directly into the soil or in a seedling tray. The ideal time for sowing the seeds is during spring or summer. The soil must be kept moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes about 10-20 days. After the seedlings reach a height of about 3-4 cm, they can be transplanted to individual pots or directly into the planting site.
Division Propagation
Mollugo cerviana (L.) Ser. ex DC. var. spathulifolia Fenzl can also be propagated through division. This method involves digging up the plant and separating it into smaller pieces. Each piece should have a portion of the root system attached. The divided segments can then be planted into individual pots or directly into the planting site.
Cutting Propagation
Propagation through cuttings is also possible with Mollugo cerviana (L.) Ser. ex DC. var. spathulifolia Fenzl. Take cuttings that are about 10 cm long from the mature plant. Strip the lower leaves from the cutting, leaving only 2-3 leaves at the top. Dip the cut end of the cutting in rooting hormone powder and plant it in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mixture. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a shaded area. Once the roots are established, the cutting can be transplanted to individual pots or directly into the planting site.
Disease Management
One of the common diseases that affect Mollugo cerviana (L.) Ser. ex DC. var. spathulifolia Fenzl is powdery mildew. This fungal disease appears as white or gray powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To manage the disease, it is recommended to remove and destroy infected plant parts, avoid overhead watering and keep the area around the plant clean and free of debris. Fungicides such as sulfur and neem oil can also be used to control powdery mildew.
Anthrax disease can also affect Mollugo cerviana (L.) Ser. ex DC. var. spathulifolia Fenzl. It is caused by a bacterium and results in the sudden wilting and death of the plant. There is no cure for anthrax disease, so it is important to prevent it by planting healthy and disease-resistant plants, avoiding over-fertilization, and promoting good drainage to prevent standing water.
Pest Management
The most common pest that affects Mollugo cerviana (L.) Ser. ex DC. var. spathulifolia Fenzl is the spider mite. These tiny pests leave a stippled or yellowish appearance on the leaves of the plant. To manage spider mites, it is recommended to regularly inspect the plant and remove any infected parts. Spraying the plant with water can also help to reduce their populations. In severe cases, insecticidal sprays can be used, but they should be used with caution as they can harm the plant's natural predators.
Another pest that can affect Mollugo cerviana (L.) Ser. ex DC. var. spathulifolia Fenzl is the aphid. These insects feed on the sap of the plant, causing stunted growth and distorted leaves. To manage aphids, it is recommended to spray the plant with a strong jet of water to knock them off the plant, or to introduce predatory insects such as ladybugs or lacewings. Insecticidal soaps and horticultural oils can also be effective at controlling aphid populations.
