Origin
Nama carnosum (Woot.) C.L. Hitchc., commonly known as the alkali goosefoot, is a plant species that belongs to the family Amaranthaceae. This plant is native to the western United States, particularly found in the Great Basin region and the Mojave Desert. It can also be found in other regions like southern California, Idaho, Washington, and Nevada.
Common Names
Aside from its scientific name, Nama carnosum has other common names. Some call it the alkali wild buckwheat, spiny nama, or woolly nama. These names represent the plant's habitat, structure, or physical appearance.
Uses
The Nama carnosum plant has various uses. Historically, native tribes used it for medicinal purposes; they boiled it and used the solution to treat illnesses, such as fever and cramps. In modern times, some people still use it for the same reason. Also, animals like pronghorns, bighorn sheep, and sage grouses, eat the plant as a food source.
General Appearance
The Nama carnosum plant is a small perennial shrub that grows up to 20-40 cm tall. It has leaves that are succulent, oblong, and narrow, measuring from 1-4 cm long and 0.2-2.5 cm wide. The leaves color varies; some are green, while others are grayish-green. The plant's flowers are in clusters, measuring 6-12 cm long and 4-8 cm wide. Its calyx has five lobes, and its sepals tend to be spiny, making it less palatable for herbivores. The plant's fruit is an achene, which is dry and hard, mostly 1 mm long.
Light Requirements
The plant Nama carnosum (Woot.) C.L. Hitchc. prefers full sun to partial shade. In areas with extreme heat, partial shade is recommended to prevent leaf scorching. Inadequate sunlight may cause the plant's growth to slow down or stunted growth. This plant prefers bright light, making it suitable for outdoor planting, but it also grows well indoors with appropriate lighting.
Temperature Requirements
Nama carnosum grows well in warm temperatures, with a minimum recommended temperature of about 55°F. It can tolerate high indoor temperature ranges typical of many households, making it a suitable houseplant. When planted outdoors, the plant can tolerate high temperatures and low relative humidity conditions, making it an ideal choice for gardens located in hot, dry areas.
Soil Requirements
The plant Nama carnosum thrives best in well-draining sandy or gravelly soils. The soil must be well-aerated and free-draining to prevent root rot, which can be fatal to the plant. The plant prefers neutral to slightly alkaline soil, with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. Incorporating organic matter into the soil can improve soil fertility and structure, providing an ideal growing environment for the plant.
Cultivation methods
When it comes to cultivating Nama carnosum, the plant requires well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. It can tolerate sandy or gravelly soil and can grow quite well in nutrient-poor soils, making it an ideal plant for xeriscapes. However, the plant cannot tolerate wet soil, so if you are planting it in a region with rainfall, ensure that the soil can drain quickly.
Watering needs
Nama carnosum requires little water when established, making it perfect for xeriscapes and drought-tolerant gardens. In regions with higher rainfall, you should be cautious not to overwater the plant as it is susceptible to root rot when the soil is consistently wet. Ensure that you give the plant enough time to dry out before watering it again.
Fertilization
While Nama carnosum is an adaptable plant, it does not require a lot of nutrients to thrive. You can apply a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer sparingly when planting the plant. Once established, it does not need any additional feedings.
Pruning
Nama carnosum does not require much pruning as it grows naturally in a rounded shape. However, you can remove any damaged, diseased, or dead branches using sanitized pruning shears. If the plant outgrows its designated space, you can also prune it to control its size. Make sure to prune the plant when it is dormant in late winter or early spring, giving it enough time to recover before the growing season.
Propagation of Nama carnosum (Woot.) C.L. Hitchc.
Nama carnosum (Woot.) C.L. Hitchc. can be propagated through sexual and asexual means.
Sexual Propagation
The seeds of Nama carnosum (Woot.) C.L. Hitchc. can be collected from the plant's fruits and used to grow new plants. The seeds should be extracted from the fruits and cleaned of any debris. Once clean, the seeds can be sown directly into well-draining soil or into seed trays. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil and kept moist until germination occurs.
Asexual Propagation
Nama carnosum (Woot.) C.L. Hitchc. can also be propagated asexually through stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem and make a clean, angled cut below a node. Remove any leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone. Place the cutting in a pot with well-draining soil and keep it moist. Within a few weeks, roots should begin to form and new growth should appear.
It is important to note that Nama carnosum (Woot.) C.L. Hitchc. requires well-draining soil and full-sun exposure for optimal growth. Additionally, it is drought tolerant and can survive in hot, arid environments.
Disease Management
Nama carnosum is susceptible to several diseases that can cause damage to the plant, reduce yields and eventually lead to plant death. Some common diseases that affect Nama carnosum are:
- Root rot: This disease is caused by fungi that infect the roots of the plant, causing the roots to rot. The plant may show signs of wilting, and the leaves may turn yellow. To manage root rot, it is essential to avoid overwatering and improve soil drainage. Apply appropriate fungicides if necessary.
- Leaf spot: This disease is caused by bacteria or fungi that infect the leaves of the plant, causing spots on the leaves. Severe cases can lead to defoliation. It is essential to remove infected leaves and apply appropriate fungicides to prevent further damage.
Pest Management
Nama carnosum is also susceptible to several pests that can cause damage to the plant. Some common pests that affect Nama carnosum are:
- Aphids: These insects suck the sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and distorted leaves. Natural predators like ladybugs can help keep aphid populations in check, or apply appropriate insecticides to control them.
- Spider mites: These pests feed on the leaves and cause yellowing, discoloration, and webbing. Like aphids, spider mite populations can be controlled using natural predators like predatory mites or application of appropriate miticides.
It is also essential to ensure proper sanitation and pruning practices, which can help prevent pest and disease infestations. Regularly clean the garden, remove plant debris, and dispose of infected plants appropriately.
