Description of Nothocalais Troximoides (Gray) Greene
Nothocalais troximoides, commonly known as the Mojave ragwort, is a perennial plant species belonging to the Asteraceae family. This plant is native to North America and is particularly found in the Mojave Desert region of California, Nevada, and Arizona.
General Appearance
The plant has a woody stem that can reach up to 50 centimeters in height. The leaves of this plant are narrow and long, with a length ranging from 2 to 15 centimeters and a width of 1 to 5 millimeters. The leaves are dark green in color and are covered in fine hairs. The yellow flowers of Nothocalais troximoides grow in clusters at the ends of the stems.
Common Names
Besides the Mojave ragwort, this species is known by different names such as Troximon ragwort, Mohave Groundsel, and Sonoran ragwort.
Uses
Nothocalais troximoides has some traditional medicinal uses among the Native American tribes living in the Mojave region. It is believed that the plant extract has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and can be applied to wounds to reduce inflammation and accelerate healing. Also, the plant was used by the Cahuilla and other tribes to treat arthritis. It is also used as a landscaping plant because of its unique yellow flowers.
Light Requirements
Nothocalais troximoides requires full sunlight for optimal growth. It is tolerant of some shade but may not flower as abundantly in lower light conditions. In hotter climates, providing some midday shade may also benefit the plant.
Temperature Requirements
N. troximoides is adapted to hot, dry climates and can withstand extreme temperatures. Temperatures ranging from 60°F to 90°F are optimal for growth, with nighttime temperatures not dropping below 50°F. In colder climates, the plant may benefit from protection or indoor cultivation during the winter months.
Soil Requirements
The ideal soil type for N. troximoides is well-draining, gritty, and slightly acidic. It can tolerate sandy or loamy soils but is not suited to heavy clay soils. Adding organic matter to the soil can improve its water-holding capacity and provide essential nutrients. The plant can also tolerate alkaline soils but may suffer from nutrient deficiencies.
Cultivation
Nothocalais troximoides, better known as the Mojave skeletonweed, is a flowering plant native to the Mojave Desert in North America. It prefers a sunny location, tolerating partial shade in hotter climates. It can grow in almost any soil type, except for soils that are consistently wet or poorly drained.
It is best to plant the Mojave skeletonweed during the spring, as it will be able to establish itself before the heat of summer. If planting in containers, use a well-draining cactus/succulent soil mix, and ensure the pot has drainage holes.
Watering Needs
As a desert plant, the Mojave skeletonweed is adapted to survive in dry conditions. Therefore, it should be watered deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. During the plant's first growing season, it may need more frequent watering until the roots become established.
Watering should be reduced during the winter months, as the plant becomes dormant.
Fertilization
The Mojave skeletonweed does not need much fertilization and can survive with minimal nutrients. However, for a healthier and more vibrant plant, fertilizer can be applied in the spring. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 5-10-5.
During the plant's first year, avoid fertilizing until the plant has become established.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for the Mojave skeletonweed, but it can be shaped to promote a bushier growth habit. Pruning should be done in early spring before new growth appears.
When pruning, use clean, sharp pruning shears and make cuts just above a leaf or bud. Remove any dead or damaged branches, as well as any branches that are growing back towards the center of the plant.
Propagation of Nothocalais troximoides (Gray) Greene
Nothocalais troximoides (Gray) Greene, commonly known as the Mojave woody-aster, is a desert shrub endemic to the western United States. This plant species can be propagated by various methods, including seed and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method used to propagate Nothocalais troximoides (Gray) Greene. The seeds are collected from the mature plant in the fall when the seed heads have turned brown. The seeds should be collected in a paper bag to avoid losing them. Once the seeds are collected, they should be cleaned from any debris and be kept in a dry and cool place until the spring.
In early spring, using a seedling tray filled with a well-draining soil mix, the seeds can be spread over the surface of the soil. The tray should be kept moist, and the seeds should germinate within two to three weeks. After the seedlings have emerged, they should be kept in a location where they receive warmth, bright light, and good air circulation. They should be transplanted into individual pots when they are large enough to handle.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation can also be used to propagate Nothocalais troximoides (Gray) Greene. This method is useful for propagating the plant for conservation or horticultural purposes. Some of the vegetative propagation methods include:
- Softwood cuttings: In this method, softwood cuttings are taken in late spring or early summer from the mother plant. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and should be dipped in rooting hormone before being placed in a rooting medium. The cuttings should be kept in a humid environment and should root within two to three weeks.
- Hardwood cuttings: This method involves taking hardwood cuttings from the mother plant in late fall or early winter when the plant has gone dormant. The cuttings should be 8-10 inches long and should be stored in a cool and moist environment until spring when they can be planted in a growing medium.
- Division: Division can also be used to propagate Nothocalais troximoides (Gray) Greene. The plant should be dug up in early spring, and the root system should be separated into smaller clumps. Each clump should be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until new growth appears.
Disease and Pest Management for Nothocalais Troximoides (Gray) Greene
Nothocalais Troximoides (Gray) Greene is a beautiful perennial shrub that is indigenous to California, Mexico, and Arizona. It is also commonly referred to as white tackstem due to its bright white stem and its sticky resin that oozes out when the stem is broken. Like any other plant, it is vulnerable to pests and diseases that can affect its growth and appearance. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect Nothocalais Troximoides (Gray) Greene and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Nothocalais Troximoides (Gray) Greene is mostly resistant to diseases. However, it can be susceptible to some fungal and bacterial diseases that may affect its growth. Some of the common diseases that may affect it include;
Leaf Spot Disease
Leaf spot disease is caused by fungi and can cause circular brown spots on the leaves of the plant. If left untreated, the spots can enlarge and cause the leaves to die off. To manage it, remove all infected leaves and prune any branches that are too close to the ground, which could promote the spread. Keep the plant healthy by ensuring it gets adequate water and nutrients.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease that appears as a white, powdery substance on the leaves of the plant. It can cause poor growth and reduced yield. To manage it, remove all infected leaves and dispose of them properly. Water the plant from the base, and keep the environment around the plant dry to reduce humidity.
Common Pests
Nothocalais Troximoides (Gray) Greene is also vulnerable to pests that can cause damage to the leaves, stem, and roots of the plant. Some of the common pests that may affect it include;
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause webbing on the leaves of the plant and could damage the leaves. To manage them, use insecticidal soaps, oils, or other insecticides that are labeled for spider mites' control. rinse the plant thoroughly after applying the insecticide to reduce its harm.
Slugs and Snails
Slugs and snails are common pests that could feed on the leaves of the plant, leaving holes and tunnel trails. To manage them, use traps or baits that contain iron phosphate or metaldehyde, placed in shady places near the plant. Eliminate hiding places where snails and slugs might be living, such as piles of decaying leaves or other vegetation.
Aphids
Aphids suck sap from the plant's leaves and can cause them to curl and turn yellow. To manage them, use insecticidal soap or neem oil as they are both effective in killing aphids. You can also attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs or lacewings for natural control of the aphid population.
In conclusion, Nothocalais Troximoides (Gray) Greene is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, and ensuring it receives adequate care is the most useful prevention method. Proper watering, fertilizer application, pruning, and good cultural practices will keep the plant healthy and avoid most disease and pest problems.
