Overview
Nama demissum Gray var. covillei Brand, commonly known as Coville's nama, is a low-growing perennial plant species that belongs to the Boraginaceae family. It is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
Appearance
Coville's nama has a mat-forming growth habit and can spread up to 1 meter wide through underground stems. The leaves are simple, alternate, and covered with short hairs. They are oblong to lanceolate, measuring up to 4 cm in length and 1 cm wide. The flowers are small and blue-purple to whitish, measuring up to 5 mm in length and 3-5 mm wide. The fruit is a nutlet that is densely covered with hooked hairs that adhere to clothing or animal fur, aiding in its dispersal.
Common Names
Coville's nama is commonly known by several names, including desert bluebells, Coville's dwarf, and Coville's boraginaceae.
Uses
Coville's nama has no significant economic use but is an attractive groundcover plant that is suitable for xeriscaping, especially for rock gardens and naturalized areas. The plant also provides food and habitat for native wildlife, such as birds and small mammals.
Light Requirements
The Nama demissum Gray var. covillei Brand plant requires full sun exposure and grows best under high light conditions. Partial shade may limit the plant's growth and reduce its bloom production. Therefore, it's recommended to plant it in areas where it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
The Nama demissum Gray var. covillei Brand plant is native to the southwestern United States and Mexico and is adapted to arid and semiarid conditions. It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from 50°F to 100°F (10°C to 38°C). However, the plant prefers temperatures between 70°F and 90°F (21°C and 32°C) and does not thrive in extremely cold or hot temperatures.
Soil Requirements
The Nama demissum Gray var. covillei Brand plant grows well in well-drained, rocky, and sandy soils. It prefers a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5, which is neutral to slightly acidic. The plant is adapted to low nutrient levels and can tolerate drought conditions. Overwatering and poor drainage may lead to root rot and fungal diseases. Therefore, it's recommended to water the plant sparingly and only when the soil is dry.
Cultivation methods
To cultivate Nama demissum Gray var. covillei Brand, choose well-draining soil and a location with full sun exposure. This plant can tolerate arid conditions and prefers a dry climate with little to no humidity. It is suitable for xeriscaping, rock gardens, and containers.
The best time to plant Nama demissum Gray var. covillei Brand is in the fall or spring, as the plant enters a dormant phase during summer. When handling the plant, use gloves, as it has some spines.
Watering needs
Although Nama demissum Gray var. covillei Brand prefers a dry climate, it still requires some water to thrive. Water the plant deeply once every two weeks during its active growth phase. When watering, avoid moisture on the leaves, as it could encourage fungal diseases.
During the plant's dormant phase, reduce watering to once a month or less. Overwatering is harmful, as it can lead to root rot and eventually death.
Fertilization
Nama demissum Gray var. covillei Brand does not need much fertilization. In fact, too much fertilizer can cause the plant to become leggy and less attractive. Apply a slow-release fertilizer once every year in the spring, only if the soil is poor in nutrients.
Choose a fertilizer low in nitrogen and high in phosphorus, as the latter promotes flowering and seed production.
Pruning
Pruning Nama demissum Gray var. covillei Brand is not necessary, but it could be beneficial. Trimming back the plant's stems helps to maintain its shape and promote bushier growth. Pinch the tips of the stems early in the growth phase to encourage branching.
Remove any dead or diseased stems as soon as you notice them, as they could spread the disease to the entire plant. Nama demissum Gray var. covillei Brand produces seeds that are viable, and if you do not want the plant to self-seed, remove the spent flowers before they produce seeds.
Propagation of Nama demissum Gray var. covillei Brand
Nama demissum Gray var. covillei Brand, commonly known as Coville's Nama, is a low-growing, woody shrub that is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate extreme heat and arid conditions. It is usually propagated through seeds or stem cuttings.
Propagation through Seeds
The easiest and most common method of propagating Nama demissum Gray var. covillei Brand is through seeds. Collect ripe seeds from the plant during the fall season. After collecting, clean and dry the seeds to remove any debris or moisture. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place until the planting season.
In the spring, before planting, scarify or nick the seeds with a sharp knife or sandpaper. This will allow water to penetrate the seed coat and speed up germination. Sow the seeds in well-drained soil, about a quarter-inch deep, and cover with a thin layer of soil.
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and place the pot or container in a warm and bright location. The seeds should germinate within two to three weeks. Once the seedlings are a few inches tall, transplant them into individual containers and care for them until they are large enough to be planted in their permanent location.
Propagation through Stem Cuttings
Another method of propagating Nama demissum Gray var. covillei Brand is through stem cuttings. Take stem cuttings during the summer months when the plant is actively growing. Use a sharp and sterilized pruning shear to cut a stem that is about 6 inches long. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the stem and dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder.
Fill a small container or pot with well-draining soil mix and make a hole in the center with a pencil. Insert the cutting into the hole and gently firm the soil around it. Water well and cover the container with a plastic bag to create a humid environment. Place the container in a warm and bright location, away from direct sunlight.
After a few weeks, new growth should appear, which means roots have developed. Remove the plastic bag and continue to care for the new plant until it is large enough to be planted in its permanent location.
Disease Management
Some common diseases that might affect Nama demissum Gray var. covillei Brand are:
- Root Rot: This disease is caused by fungus that infects the roots and causes them to rot. To manage this disease, it is important to ensure proper drainage by avoiding overwatering, providing good aeration, and using well-draining soil. Infected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves, stems, and flowers. It can be managed by promoting good air circulation, avoiding overhead watering, and removing infected plant parts.
- Leaf Spot: This disease is caused by fungus and causes circular spots on the leaves. It can be managed by removing infected plant parts and avoiding overhead watering.
Pest Management
Some common pests that might affect Nama demissum Gray var. covillei Brand are:
- Aphids: These small insects suck the sap out of the plant and cause stunted growth and distorted leaves. They can be managed by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Cutworms: These pests cut through the stems of young plants, causing them to wilt and die. They can be managed by placing collars around the stems of the plants or using insecticides.
- Spider Mites: These small pests feed on the underside of leaves, causing them to turn yellow and fall off. They can be managed by increasing humidity levels around the plant, using insecticidal soap, or applying neem oil.
It is important to regularly inspect plants for signs of disease or infestation, and take action promptly to prevent their spread. Organic pest and disease management options are preferred over chemical options as they are safer for the environment and beneficial insects.
