Overview
Nama hispidum Gray var. spathulatum (Torr.) C.L. Hitchc. is a species of wildflower in the family Boraginaceae, also known as woollyflower or hispid nama. It is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, including Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Sonora, and Baja California.
General Appearance
Nama hispidum Gray var. spathulatum is a small perennial plant that grows up to 16 inches tall. It has a spreading habit and the stem is covered with hairy, silver-gray leaves that are spathulate, or spoon-shaped. The flowers are small, white, and five-petaled. They bloom in the spring and summer months, typically from April to August.
Common Names
Nama hispidum Gray var. spathulatum is commonly referred to by a number of different names, including woollyflower, hispid nama, spathulate nama, and spathulate-leaf nama.
Uses
Nama hispidum Gray var. spathulatum has several uses in traditional medicine. Native American tribes used it as a medicinal herb to treat various ailments, including fevers, coughs, and sore throats. Its leaves were also used topically as a poultice to treat cuts and wounds. Some modern herbalists still use Nama hispidum Gray var. spathulatum for similar purposes, although there is limited scientific evidence to support its effectiveness.
Light Requirements
As a desert plant, Nama hispidum Gray var. spathulatum (Torr.) C.L. Hitchc. requires a considerable amount of sunlight for optimal growth. This plant usually prefers full sun to partial shade for most of the day. The minimum light requirement for this plant is around 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant Nama hispidum Gray var. spathulatum (Torr.) C.L. Hitchc. is adapted to grow in hot, dry climates and thrives in average temperatures of about 60-80°F (15-27°C). This plant can tolerate a maximum temperature of around 95°F (35°C), though it may need shading during the hottest parts of the day to prevent heat stress.
Soil Requirements
Nama hispidum Gray var. spathulatum (Torr.) C.L. Hitchc. can grow in various types of well-draining soils with neutral to basic pH (6.5-8). However, this plant prefers sandy or rocky soil that is low in organic matter. It can tolerate dry, nutrient-poor soils and is salt-tolerant. This plant does not thrive in heavy, clay-rich soils that retain moisture for extended periods.
Cultivation Methods
Nama hispidum Gray var. spathulatum (Torr.) C.L. Hitchc. is a desert plant that requires well-draining soil. It is recommended to use a cactus mix that contains sand and perlite. This plant prefers to be grown in full sun to partial shade. The optimal temperature for growth is between 50 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Watering Needs
Nama hispidum Gray var. spathulatum (Torr.) C.L. Hitchc. is a drought-tolerant plant and does not require frequent watering. It is important to wait until the soil has completely dried out before watering again. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can kill the plant. During the winter months, it is recommended to reduce watering to once a month.
Fertilization
Nama hispidum Gray var. spathulatum (Torr.) C.L. Hitchc. does not require frequent fertilization. It is beneficial to use a cactus fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring to fall). It is important to dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength to prevent burning the roots.
Pruning
Nama hispidum Gray var. spathulatum (Torr.) C.L. Hitchc. does not require frequent pruning. However, it is beneficial to remove any dead or yellow leaves from the plant. This will promote new growth and prevent any diseases from spreading. If the plant becomes too tall and leggy, it can be cut back to encourage bushier growth.
Propagation of Nama hispidum Gray var. spathulatum (Torr.) C.L. Hitchc.
Nama hispidum Gray var. spathulatum (Torr.) C.L. Hitchc, commonly known as spathulate-leaved nama or spathulate nama, is a perennial forb that belongs to the borage family (Boraginaceae). It is native to western North America, particularly in California and Baja California, and can survive in a wide range of habitats, including deserts, grasslands, and coastal scrublands. In order to propagate this plant, the following methods can be used:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method used to propagate Nama hispidum Gray var. spathulatum. The seeds of this plant are small and can be directly sown outdoors in autumn or early spring. The soil should be well-drained and free of weeds to avoid competition with other plants. The seeds should be lightly covered with soil and kept moist until germination, which usually occurs after 1-2 weeks. Once the seedlings are large enough, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Cuttings Propagation
Another method used to propagate Nama hispidum Gray var. spathulatum is through stem cuttings. This method is best carried out in late spring or early summer when the plant is in an active growth phase. Select healthy, non-flowering stems and cut them to a length of about 8-10cm. Remove the lower leaves, leaving only a few at the top, and dip the cut end into rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix and water it regularly. After a few weeks, the cutting should develop roots and can be transplanted to a permanent location.
Division Propagation
Division propagation can also be used to propagate Nama hispidum Gray var. spathulatum. This method involves separating the plant into smaller sections, each containing roots and shoots. It is best carried out in autumn or early spring. To do this, gently dig up the plant and carefully separate the sections using a sharp knife or garden spade. Each section should have enough roots and shoots to survive on its own. Replant the sections into well-draining soil, water them well, and continue to care for them as usual.
Disease Management
Two common diseases that may affect Nama hispidum Gray var. spathulatum (Torr.) C.L. Hitchc. are powdery mildew and leaf spot. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white, powdery coating on the leaves. Leaf spot is a bacterial disease that causes brown spots on the leaves.
To manage powdery mildew, it is important to maintain good air circulation around the plant. This can be achieved by spacing plants appropriately and pruning them regularly. Fungicides can also be used to treat powdery mildew, but it is important to follow the instructions carefully.
To manage leaf spot, it is important to remove infected leaves and dispose of them properly. Copper-based fungicides can also be used to treat leaf spot.
Pest Management
One common pest that may affect Nama hispidum Gray var. spathulatum (Torr.) C.L. Hitchc. is spider mites. Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the plant's sap, causing yellowing and stippling of the leaves.
To manage spider mites, it is important to maintain good plant health. This can be achieved by providing adequate water and nutrients to the plant. Insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils can also be used to control spider mites, but it is important to follow the instructions carefully.
