Origin
Nama ovata, also known as purple mat, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Pholisma family. The plant is native to North America and can be found in California, Utah, Arizona, Colorado, and Nevada.
Common Names
The common names of Nama ovata include purple mat, penis plant, and grape vine mistletoe.
Uses
The purple mat is a desert plant and as such, is used as a groundcover in desert gardens. The plant is also known to prevent soil erosion on slopes. Indigenous people used the purple mat for a variety of medicinal purposes, such as treating rheumatism, headaches, infections, and external injuries.
Appearance
The purple mat is a perennial herb that can grow up to 4 inches tall and typically measures 6-12 inches in diameter. The plant produces an underground tuber, which serves as a water source during periods of drought. The stem of the plant is purple-brown, and its leaves are reduced to small scales. The purple mat produces small violet flowers in the late spring and early summer, which grow close to the stem. The plant's fruit is a round capsule containing tiny seeds.
Growth Conditions for Nama ovata
Nama ovata, also known as purple mat, is a drought-tolerant plant that prefers warm temperatures and well-draining soils. This species can thrive in a variety of growing conditions, making it a versatile choice for many gardeners.
Light Requirements
Nama ovata prefers full sun exposure, which means it requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to grow and develop properly. This plant species can tolerate some shade but performs best in full sun conditions.
Temperature Requirements
Being a drought-tolerant species, Nama ovata flourishes in hot summer temperatures. However, it can also withstand cold temperatures as low as 18°F when established. In any case, the ideal temperature range for this plant species is between 50°F to 86°F, making it suitable for growth in most regions across various climates.
Soil Requirements
Nama ovata grows best in sandy, well-draining soils. The plant can also tolerate loamy soils as long as there is enough drainage. Soil pH should be neutral to slightly alkaline, with a range of about 7.0 to 8.0. The plant does not require much water and can thrive in low-nutrient soils. However, it's crucial to avoid planting Nama ovata in heavy, clayey soils that retain moisture.
Cultivation of Nama ovata:
Nama ovata is commonly known as Purple mat and is an attractive plant that is ideal for use in commercial and landscaping gardens. The plant grows well in areas with full sun exposure and should be planted in well-draining soils.
The ideal temperature for cultivating Nama ovata ranges from 20 to 25°C. Although the plant is tolerant to drought, watering should be done when the topsoil is dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other water-borne diseases.
Watering Needs:
The watering needs of Nama ovata plants vary depending on the time of the year. During the growing season, Nama ovata requires regular watering to keep the soil moist. Adequate watering ensures the plant develops a deep root system, which is essential for withstanding drought.
However, during the winter, watering should be reduced to avoid soil saturation, which can lead to root rot. In general, it's best to water the plant deeply and less often, as opposed to shallow and frequent watering.
Fertilization:
Nama ovata grows well in nutrient-rich soils, and fertilization should be done regularly to help the plant thrive. Adding slow-release fertilizers or compost to the soil once a month is recommended for optimal growth.
However, it's essential not to over-fertilize the plant as this can lead to stunted growth or even death. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging and use a balanced fertilizer type for best results.
Pruning:
Pruning is essential for keeping the Nama ovata plant well-groomed and healthy. It is best to prune when the plant is young to prevent overgrowth, which can make it difficult to achieve the desired shape and size.
Deadheading and cutting back the plant regularly is also advised to encourage blooming throughout the growing season. Use sharp and sterile pruning shears when trimming the plant to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Nama ovata (Nutt. ex Choisy) Britt.
Nama ovata (Nutt. ex Choisy) Britt., commonly known as gravel ghost or desert phantom, is a perennial shrub native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. It is commonly propagated by seeds and cuttings.
Propagation by Seed
Seeds of Nama ovata can be collected when the seedpods have dried and turned brown. The collected seeds should be cleaned and stored in a cool, dry place until the planting time.
The seeds can be sown directly in the ground or started indoors in pots. If sown directly, the soil should be well-draining, moist, and warm. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil, and watered regularly. Germination can take 7-14 days.
If starting indoors, the seeds should be sown in pots filled with well-draining soil. The pots should be placed in a warm, sunny spot and watered regularly. Once the seedlings have grown a few inches tall, they can be transplanted into their permanent outdoor location.
Propagation by Cuttings
Cuttings can be taken from mature Nama ovata plants in the spring or summer months. The cuttings should be 3-6 inches in length and taken from the tips of the plant's branches.
The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone and then planted in a well-draining soil. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged. The cuttings should be covered with a plastic bag or a cloche to maintain high humidity.
After a few weeks, the cuttings should start to form roots. Once the roots are well-established, the cuttings can be transplanted into their permanent outdoor location.
Disease Management for Nama ovata
Nama ovata can be susceptible to various diseases that can impact its health and growth. One common disease that affects this plant is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage this disease, it's important to avoid overhead watering and keep the leaves dry. You can also apply fungicidal sprays containing sulfur or potassium bicarbonate to the plant to prevent the disease from spreading.
Another disease that can affect Nama ovata is root rot. Root rot is caused by overwatering or poorly drained soil, leading to the roots becoming saturated and dying off. To manage root rot, it's essential to ensure the plant has well-draining soil and to only water when the top inch of soil is dry. Additionally, it's important to remove any affected roots and repot the plant in fresh soil.
Pest Management for Nama ovata
Nama ovata can also be susceptible to various pests that can impact its health and growth. One common pest that affects this plant is mealybugs. Mealybugs are tiny insects that appear as fuzzy white patches on the leaves and stems. To manage mealybugs, you can use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove the insects from the plant. You can also apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to the plant to prevent the pests from coming back.
Another pest that can affect Nama ovata is spider mites. Spider mites are small arachnids that often appear in clusters on the leaves, causing damage to the plant. To manage spider mites, it's important to keep the plant well-hydrated and increase humidity levels to prevent the pests from thriving. You can also apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to the plant to prevent the pests from spreading.
